Kuyu Kebe-Kebe Puppet, Based

Black as a stage curtain, with long ears and white lines slashed down the nose.

Kuyu carvers of the Republic of Congo, Central Africa, made this kebe-kebe puppet in wood in the 20th century. Such puppets are often associated with performance and ritual, the head fixed to a stick. This one reads as an animal or spirit figure. The face is glossy black with two pointed ears, narrow white eyes and a long white stripe between them, plus a small red mouth. A dark ring sits at the neck above a pale, rough stem.

About 18 inches tall. Mischief in monochrome with a red lip.