Bena Biombo - R.D. Congo

The general shape of the mask, the central line running from the forehead to the nose, and the lines
and tattoos that start at the suborbital arches and run down the cheeks reveal the influence
of the Kuba; the red background colour and the decoration of the chin with black and white triangles reflect
that of the Pende of Casai. Both the Pende and the Bena Biombo use these masks in circumcision rites.
On the mask, the forehead is high and domed; the eyebrows are two black V-shaped lines that meet at the
base of the nose; the eye sockets are elliptical, tapering to a point where the eyebrows meet the nose,
with the interior painted white, framing bulging, almond-shaped eyes that are closed, with a central line marking the junction of the eyelids; the nose is an elongated triangle, with the nostrils painted white, ending in a slightly raised plane; the mouth is a protruding, rounded rectangular shape; above the first two rows of tattoos on the
cheeks are rows of holes for the wearer’s eyes; the headdress is a leopard skin edged with a strip of cowrie shells; the mask has a raffia beard.

Provenance: Argiles Collection, Barcelona