Chamba "Lang Gbadna" Bush Cow Helmet Mask, Africa, Mid 20th Century
London, United Kingdom
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Easy returns (14 days)
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Free return if the item isn't as described
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Buyer protection
Damage is rare, and you're fully protected if it happens.
Dimensions
Wear Condition
Wear & Tear
Material
Other Wood
Style
Vintage, African, Traditional
Product Details
Description
A fabulous Chamba “bush cow” helmet mask from the border region of eastern Nigeria and western Cameroon, dating to the mid-20th century. This sculptural form represents a powerful bush spirit associated with strength, unpredictability, and the threshold between the cultivated village and the wilderness.
Known as "Lang-gbadna" or "Nam Gbalang" among the Chamba people, the mask features a domed cranial form suggestive of a skull, flanked by elegantly curved horns and a projecting facial plane. Subtle ear elements and carved ring details at the horn bases contribute to its expressive and balanced composition. The proportions are compact yet dynamic, indicative of a piece intended for active ceremonial use.
Among the Chamba peoples, such masks were used in masquerade performances associated with funerary rites, initiations, and protective ceremonies, where the dancer—wearing the mask with a full fiber costume—embodied a powerful bush spirit combining animal force and ancestral presence. Although helmet-like in construction, this type was not designed for direct forward vision and would have been worn tilted or elevated, with the performer seeing beneath or around it, reinforcing the transformation from human to spirit; the perforations along the rim once secured the attached costume, confirming its role within a complete ceremonial ensemble.
In good overall condition for a ceremonial object of this type and age. The mask exhibits age-related wear throughout, including surface abrasion, pigment loss, and several shrinkage cracks across the domed head, consistent with natural wood movement over time (see photos). These features are typical of objects that have seen active use and do not detract from its integrity. The horns appear original and intact, with no evidence of later replacement.
A genuine, traditionally used example rather than a later decorative carving, offering both sculptural presence and ethnographic significance. A compelling addition to a collection of African art or tribal sculpture.
Wear Condition
Wear & Tear
Cancellations
We offer free cancellations and full refund for orders cancelled before dispatching. View full policy.
Returns
We have a 14-day return guarantee for orders from individual sellers, within the UK and European Union. View full policy.
Additional Delivery Info from Seller
Unless stated in the listing (not estimated) please contact us for delivery costs and time frames.
Larger items that require a man & van will generally cost between £60 - £100 for Mainland England & Wales.
Please be aware that due to the Coronavirus many couriers are not delivering and those who are may be working at full capacity, so getting a quote and arranging deliveries may take slightly longer than we would ordinarily hope.
Smaller items will generally dispatch within 3 working days but we endeavour to ship them within 24 hours of order confirmation.
Collection of items both big and small are welcome from London N7 (Islington). Buyers are also welcome to arrange their own couriers, though we won't be able to take responsibility for safe transit.
Estimated delivery time
Less than one week
Free collection available
Yes
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Reviews
5.0
Based on 4 reviews
Wear conditions
Excellent
Shows little to no signs of wear and tear.
Good
May show slight traces of use in keeping with age. Most vintage and antique items fit into this condition.
Average
Likely to show signs of some light scratching and ageing but still remains in a fair condition.
Apparent Wear and Tear
Visible signs of previous use including scratches, chips or stains.
Please refer to condition report, images or make a seller enquiry for additional information.
Cancellations and Returns
Last updated: 12/02/2026
Clear, predictable protection for every pre-loved purchase.
Simple £75 flat return fee for UK-to-UK mainland furniture when you change your mind.
Applies to furniture with a final selling price of up to £5,000 (excluding delivery and service fees) and delivered from a UK mainland seller to mainland UK addresses. Excludes Northern Ireland, Channel Islands, Scottish Highlands & Islands, Isle of Wight and Isles of Scilly.
Buying vintage should feel inspiring, not uncertain.
Every order on Vinterior is backed by straightforward returns, free cancellations, and extra peace of mind for UK furniture purchases.
1. Free cancellations
Changed your mind before dispatch?
You can cancel any order before it's shipped for a full refund, including delivery.
To cancel an order, click Create cancellation on the order page.
Once an item has been dispatched, delivery costs are not refundable.
Bespoke, personalised or made-to-order pieces cannot be cancelled.
2. Returning an item
You have 14 days from delivery to request a return.
There are two return types:
A. The item isn't as described (free return)
If your piece arrives and it doesn't match the listing in any material way (incorrect description, undisclosed damage, inaccurate measurements, misleading photos), you are fully protected:
- Free return
- The seller or Vinterior arranges pickup
- Full refund, including outbound delivery costs once the seller receives the item
This applies to all purchases.
B. You changed your mind
UK-to-UK furniture deliveries:
To make UK furniture returns predictable and stress-free, we offer a simple flat return fee of £75.
- Applies to furniture delivered from a UK mainland seller to a mainland UK address. Excludes Northern Ireland, Channel Islands, Scottish Highlands & Islands, Isle of Wight and Isles of Scilly.
- Pickup arranged for you
- One clear fee, no surprises
We coordinate the return with either the seller's chosen courier or our trusted delivery partner.
All other items
Most smaller items are straightforward to return.
You can still return your item within 14 days.
- For smaller or parcel-sized items, you can choose to post the item back yourself using a tracked service, or the seller can suggest a preferred courier.
- For larger or more fragile pieces, the seller may recommend the safest return method.
- Return delivery costs vary depending on size and courier.
The seller will confirm the best option based on the item.
3. If your item arrives damaged
Damage on arrival is uncommon, especially for UK furniture deliveries.
But if something does go wrong, you're fully protected.
- Let us know as soon as possible (ideally within 72 hours of delivery) so we can resolve things quickly
- Share photos so we understand what happened
- We’ll help arrange a return and refund if needed
You’re always protected when something goes wrong in transit.
Your statutory rights apply for up to 30 days from delivery.
4. What can't be returned
Some items cannot be returned:
- Bespoke, personalised, or made-to-order pieces
- Items altered after delivery
5. How to start a return
- Log in to your Vinterior account
- Open your order
- Click Create a return
- Add notes + photos if relevant
We'll guide you through the rest.
6. What happens next
- We review your request, confirm the return and advise on next steps
- Pickup or return method is arranged
- The item is returned to the seller
- We issue your refund once the seller confirms the item's condition
Returns are completed smoothly once the pickup is arranged.
7. Refunds
Once the seller receives the piece back in the same condition it was sent, we'll issue your refund to your original payment method.
Once a refund is issued, it may take up to 5–10 working days for the funds to appear back on your original payment method, depending on your bank or card provider.
If the item is returned with new damage that wasn't present at delivery, the refund may be adjusted following review.
Need help?
If you have questions about a return or your order, our support team is here to help. Email us at [email protected] or find other ways to contact us here.
What your service fee covers
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14-day return guarantee
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Flat-fee return shipping on UK furniture
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Seller vetting
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Dedicated customer support
| Order Value (£) | Fee (£) |
|---|---|
| 0 — 49.99 | 2.75 |
| 50 — 99.99 | 5.50 |
| 100 — 199.99 | 11.00 |
| 200 — 399.99 | 21.00 |
| 400 — 599.99 | 30.00 |
| 600 — 799.99 | 40.00 |
| 800 — 999.99 | 50.00 |
| 1,000 — 1,499.99 | 55.00 |
| 1,500 — 1,999.99 | 60.00 |
| 2,000 — 4,999.99 | 82.50 |
| 5,000+ | 110.00 |
Added at checkout, based on your basket total.
