Pende people, Eastern Congo, Africa

8 inches, wood

This is a Dan deformity/sickness mask. This mask is used to represent illness in the tribe and can be danced to counteract or prevent illness. Holes on edge of mask where it would be attached to the headdress are asymmetrical. These strange looking masks are used by several African cultures and can even be found in other parts of the world. Though made for commercial purposes, this is a splendid looking example of the genre. Antiqued*