Songye Wood Passport Mask

Stripes carved all over a bulging forehead and a stubby beard make quite an impression.

This Songye passport mask of wood is Songye, from Democratic Republic of Congo, Central Africa, and dates to the 20th century. The Songye of the Democratic Republic of Congo are known for carved wooden masks and figures, often marked by strong geometric forms and grooved surfaces. Compact carved head with a swelling brow, a tall central ridge, narrow slit eyes and a squared protruding mouth. The face is covered in fine parallel grooves. The wood is rich dark brown with a satiny polish. It is 2 inches wide, 1.5 deep and 4.75 high.

Carved with such conviction that the grooves look rehearsed.