Lega Ceramic Passport Mask, Based

Heart shaped white face on a smooth brown oval, with a patient stare.

This wood and kaolin passport mask is Lega, from Democratic Republic of Congo, Central Africa, and dates to the 20th century. Kaolin is a white clay used in many parts of Africa for ritual and body decoration, and it is often applied to masks to give a pale surface. Displayed is a rounded oval form with a chalky white panel spanning the brow and nose, small circular eye holes and a tiny open mouth. The surface is satin brown with fine wear. A slim black rod and square base hold it upright. It is 3.25 inches wide, 1 deep and 8.75 high.

Says very little and manages it well.