Lega Bwami Society Mask, Based

A pale, narrow face with a mouth open just wide enough to say nothing.

Lega artists of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central Africa, carved this bwami society mask in wood in the 20th century. Lega masks are commonly associated with the bwami association and its graded ranks, and are often small, held, or displayed rather than worn over the face. The face is long and slightly concave, whitened with kaolin that has flaked and worn away in patches. Narrow slit eyes, a ridged nose and a small rectangular mouth sit beneath a darker crown of wood.

About 8 inches tall on a slim stand. Quiet, pale, and unreadable.