Initiation mask - DR Congo

A late 19th/early 20th century wooden Mbagani/Babindji mask from the Central Republic of Congo. The mask is strongly carved, with marked rounded volumes across the curved body of the mask. Typical are the rounded eyes with narrow (coffee bean) slits and the use of white (kaolin) paint. The mouth, again projecting and curved, bears a set of high relief white-painted teeth. The ears are abstract plain trapezoidal projections.

Distinctive as well as very unusual is the abstract, prominent, perhaps phallic, nose which projects but does not join the forehead at the top.

There are numerous sets of double string holes pierced through the outer edges, with two larger holes at the top.

The mask is in good condition with a dark brown patina. The top inside is the only area where the surface has been lost, probably due to the old woodworm. This cannot be seen from the front or sides.

Height: 31.5 cm
Width: 20 cm
Depth: 13 cm
Weight: 487 g