Mask "mfondo"

Description

wood, slightly encrusted dark brown patina, red pigment remains, kaolin, raised middle ridge running through the whole facial plane, surmounted by a cap-like coiffure, decorated with linear incisions, pierced around the rim, min. dam., traces of insect caused damage, slight traces of abrasion, on metal base;
the small hole underneath the nose was used for attachment of a string, serving to hold the mask with the teeth and fix it in front of the face. These masks were used for initiation of the young boys of the “ngongo” society as well as for fertility- and hunting rites.