Bunjue

This is likely to be a bunjue; a musical Instrument worn around the waists of dancing girls, or Sampa, initiated into the Sande (Mende) or Bundu (Temne) society. The remaining elements of the costume include a raffia skirt, string vest, and crested cap. This example has bunches of cane rods, terminating in seed pods which rattle when worn; it was acquired by the British Museum in 1954.

Further Information

  • Type: Body adornment, jewellery, Musical instruments, Religious/ritual equipment, charms
  • Object: Bunjue
  • Materials: Textile, Vegetable, organic fibre
  • Culture Group: Other
  • Dimensions: 980mm [W] x 185mm [L]
  • Production Date: Pre 1954
  • Associated Places: Unknown
  • Associated People: Wellcome Historical Medical Museum; Alldridge
  • Museum: British Museum
  • Accession Number: BM:Af.1954.23.3702

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