This appears to be a used Maiden Spirit mask that has been repainted at least once. No attempt at artificial aging. These white-faced masks have always been popular with Western collectors because they look so Japanese. The Okuye (also spelled Mukuyi) mask are used by a men’s society in both the Punu and Lumbo cultures to represent the spirits of dead maidens who return to participate in the funeral service. Dancers portraying the Okuyi use long stilts which make them tower above the others.

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