Bembe Mask 2

Bembe (Wabembe) Zaire, now Congo. Wood. Pigments.
Height 13"

This Bembe mask is most unusual and interesting in that it has varied scarification patterns, whereby those on the left side of the face are different from those on the right side, and both of these are different from those on the forehead. The weathered pattern may hint to extensive use.

The mask, with its upper teeth showing, looks as if clenching its mouth. It seems to exude fierceness, strength and confidence and was supposed to be a warrior mask.