Anthropomorphic mask
D. R. Congo, Ituri
not available anymore
Size
H: 21,5 cm
H: 8.5 inch
Description
wood, black patina, kaolin, painted with circles and lines, minor missing parts (rim), traces of insect caused damage, rep. (mask rim on the right/breakage at the chin spread with mass), base;
Ituri masks were made of the fresh wood of the “ntondo” or “agbagba” tree, specially felled for this purpose. Prayers are said and certain taboos observed by carvers during their work.