Dance mask - Congo

Ancient warrior mask: Zaire, for example, from today (DRC).
The esprinature, the ngesh, were believed to embody in Kuba masks during dances. The dancers' footprints were then erased to avoid 'hurting' women who ventured onto the dance area. The mask shown here appeared during initiation ceremonies, sometimes at the funerals of notable figures. This warrior mask, not belonging to the royal masks, called Ishyeen imaalu and also Pwoom itok, belonged to the Babende society. It features prominent conical pupils highlighted by pierced eyebrows, reminiscent of warriors.
The eyes are a tribute to the chameleon's....
There are also traces of kaolin and a lovely antique patina.