Lega Ceramic Passport Mask

Amber-orange face with chalky white patches and slit eyes, quietly watchful.

This Lega passport mask of wood and kaolin is Lega, from Democratic Republic of Congo, Central Africa, and dates to the 20th century. Kaolin is a fine white clay used across Central Africa as a pigment, and on Lega masks it is generally applied to the face as a pale surface. Long mask with a smooth reddish-orange surface and a pale chalky wash over the brow, nose and cheeks, flaking in places. A small star mark sits at the top. Narrow slit eyes and a small slit mouth open the face. It rests on a black stand. It is 3.5 inches wide, 1.25 deep and 6 high.

Pale patches, warm cheeks and unflappable manners.