BAKONGO, CONGO
WOOD, METAL, WHITE PAINT, HEIGHT 32CM

This mask was used by sourcerers at funerals of high ranking or otherwise distinguished people. The colour white in many African societies is an interpretation of death. Yombe masks as in this case display amazing attention to detail, like  the filed teeth, and exquisite ears, eyes and nose. The Bakongo are known for driving nails into the body of fetish figures,  in this case the nails underline the importance of the mask.