Congolese Wood Mask, Based

Narrow, dark mask with sleepy slit eyes and a long ridged nose.

This carved wooden mask on a base from the Democratic Republic of Congo is from Democratic Republic of Congo, Central Africa, and dates to the 20th century. It is wood. Masks across Central Africa are generally made for use in dance, initiation and community ceremonies, and the meaning of a form often depends on the people who made it. Oval carved mask with a high central ridge from brow to nose. Narrow slit eyes sit under heavy lids, and a small mouth shows tiny openings at the chin. The dark surface has pale, scraped patches. It is 5.25 inches wide, 3 deep and 8.25 high.

Calm, composed, and keeping its thoughts behind those lids.