Large Wooden Mask
Item
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Accession Number
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2023.9.
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Title
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Large Wooden Mask
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Ethnic Group
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Luba
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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 pigment, cowrie shells
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Format
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H x W x D: 23 in x 15 in x 8 in (58.42 cm x 38.1 cm x 20.32 cm)
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Description
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Large mask carved of wood, painted black and white with kaolin pigment. Small circular holes around the edges to attach additional elements such as raffia. The mask has incised lines on the horns and inlaid shells for the eyes. A lizard relief sculpture rests in the center of the head, at a slightly higher relief. The buffalo symbolizes strength and determination in Luba society, and the masker was to obtain those characteristics during ritual practices when wearing the mask.
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Type
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Face Mask
