Songye Wood Family Mask

Four ridges, two small knobs, and a face that gives nothing away.

Songye carvers of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central Africa, made this mask in wood in the 20th century. Songye masks are commonly associated with the kifwebe tradition and with community and ritual roles. The elongated face is covered in carved diagonal grooves, with a high central crest. Slit eyes sit under a heavy brow, a pierced block marks the nose and a square one the mouth. The dark surface shows patches of wear, and the mask stands on a black metal mount.

About 12 inches tall. Gives a hallway a watchful side.