Lega Ceramic Passport Mask, Based

Sparse, oval, and quite certain of itself.

Lega carvers of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central Africa, made this passport mask in wood in the 20th century. Lega masks of this size are commonly linked to the Bwami association, in which they were displayed, worn or passed between members. The long, narrow oval has a faint heart shape of white pigment around two small round eyes. A small beak of a nose sits above an open mouth cut through the wood. The surface is a pale honey brown, smooth and slightly scuffed.

About eight and three quarter inches tall, on a black stand. Spare enough to be modern.