Magnifique masque portrait "ndoma"

Description

wood, inventory number “025-070”, missing part (insect caused damage)

These masks appear at dances (“mblo”) which serve for entertainment, but have also been observed at funeral ceremonies.

They can be recognized by their facial features, their hairstyles, and their scarifications as depictions of known men and women of the village and appear in frequent public performances over many decades.

“Ndoma” (=“double” or “namesake”) is consdidered the true double of the person it portrays, and it never performs unless accompanied in the dance by that person.

The dancers wearing these masks characterise, praise, caricature or criticise the persons represented, to the enjoyment of the audience.

The masks are often commissioned by men and are meant to celebrate a woman’s beauty or her special talent for dancing.