Bembe Initiation Mask from Congo

A Bembe mask, Democratic Republic of Congo, likely used during the initiation period for adolescent boys who must go through a series of rituals and tasks inorder to become a man. The mask is made from a single piece of wood and comprises of four planes. In its simplicity of design the mask still portrays a face with emotions. The medial ridge that runs down the nose features two small holes that transform a simple peak into a long elegant nose. Mask height 28 cm, width 4 cm, depth 7.5 cm, on stand height 39.5 cm. Provenance: Lim-Strutt collection, Aotearoa. Previously of the Zoumana Traore collection, New York