Face mask

Bembe artist · Mid 19th century

Human and animal characteristics are brought together in this unusual and fairly rare face mask from the Bembe region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Masks of this type may include birdlike characteristics and/or carved antelope or buffalo horns. The horns on this example are broken, making any such identification impossible. Although its function is uncertain, the mask may have been used in circumcision rites or within the titled association known as Bwami.