Unidentified

Anthropomorphic Helmet Mask

n.d.

Category
Culture
Tabwa
Place Made
Democratic Republic of the Congo: Kirungu Village
Materials
Wood, aluminum, cowrie shells, shell button
Measurements
11 1/2 x 10 1/8 x 12 in (29.21 x 25.7175 x 30.48 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Françoise Billion Richardson
Accession #
98.212
Description

Stout helmet mask with inset cowrie-shell eyes, clothing button in one nostril, parted lips, pierced earlobes, narrow platform at the base of the truncated neck, and cap-like coiffure incised with patterns suggesting complex braiding. Three bands of raised dots (facial scarification) run latitudinally around spherical face, intersecting forehead, eyes, and mouth.