Female Kifwebe mask

NameMask

CultureSongye

Place madeDemocratic Republic of the Congo, Africa

MediumWood, grass fiber, kaolin

DimensionsOverall: 14 3/4 x 8 1/4 x 8 11/16 in. (37.5 x 21 x 22 cm)

Credit LineBequest of Greg LaChapelle

Object numberA.2011.20.18

DescriptionLarge, stylized human head mask with a large, arching forehead over the face which angles back. Head and face hatched but for long triangular nose, large, downturned crescent shaped eyes, protruding, pierced square mouth and vertical center stripe. Remnants of now creamy-orange patina remain in hature. Edges of mask drilled all around, and a fiber "beard" hangs from square jaw and chin. Smoked. Inside back cleanly adzed. Fiber "string" around and through top back holes.