With its circular-shaped eyes, broad nose and wide, gaping mouth, this Nbaka mask has a wonderful expression. Both eyes of the mask are surrounded by traces of caline, which is now dried and flaking, and a slightly pronounced rounded ridge . The surface of the mask has developed a dry, slightly freckled surface.
It is possible that teeth of some description, made out of bone or wood, were inserted into the punctuations present in the upper and lower lips of the mask. Inserted teeth are a commonly found feature among masks from the north eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
There has been a traditional restoration, using traces of dried wax, to the lower section of the jaw.
Ex Private Collection, UK
Estimated Period: Mid-20th Century (Or Before)
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