Lengola, Democratic Republic of Congo
11" H x 3.5" W x 2.5" D

A petite mask like this is sometimes referred to as a “passport mask,” a portable piece that would be carried when traveling to distinguish a person’s tribe, and to carry on one’s person the mask's inherent powers. This particular mask, however, was actually a puppet head, identifiable by the wood-continuation tenon that fit the into neck hole. It bears distinguishable patina of white and orange pigment.