Large Wooden Mask
Item
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Accession Number
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2023.5.
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Title
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Large Wooden Mask
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Ethnic Group
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Songye
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Subject
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Mask|Ceremonial|Central Africa
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Country
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Democratic Republic of the Congo
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Date
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Early 20th Century
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Medium
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wood, kaolin
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Format
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H x W x D: 15 1/4 in x 9 in x 8 1/2 in (38.735 cm x 22.86 cm x 21.59 cm)
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Description
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the large mask carved of wood, was originally worn with a long woven beard and raffia bast. This mask is Identifiable as a female kifwebe mask due to the lack of high comb extending over the center of the head, the usage of white and black kaolin, and grooved patterning on the face. The predominant use of white kaolin symbolizes purity, goodness and health, reproductive capacity, peace and wisdom. The role of the female kifwebe mask was connected to the lunar cycle and the death and investiture of chiefs.
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Type
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Face Mask
