Until the 1960s, when bovine helmet masks like this caught collectors' attention, objects of the Bidjogo peoples rarely appeared in the art market. Called vaca bruto ("wild cattle"), these masks are associated with the cabaro age group (men ranging from seventeen to twenty-seven), in a male initiation association. During vigorous performances the masker wears the helmet attached to wooden neck and shoulder pieces (missing here) and moves to the accompaniment of drums like an untamed animal.

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