Mask "mfondo" ·  R. D. Congo, Lwalwa · ID: 3037074

Description

light brown wood, blackish brown patina, kaolin, clear structured geometrical facial features: narrow rectangular eye slits, sharp-edged nosebridge, rectangular mouth, board-shaped projection, min. dam., traces of insect caused damage and abrasion, 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.