Face Mask

Item

Title: Face Mask
Description: This is unrelated to The time period of Harlem but it's an important aspect of history I felt necessary to include, this Face mask of oval form with multi-perforations on two sides and a raised H-shaped panel in the center. This rare mask is worn by an executioner or "Kumi" during circumcision rituals and funerals of the Lilwa society. The side areas are painted with a mixture of kaolin and palm oil and the middle or center section is stained a dark brown and is highly patinated.
Date: 20th Century
Medium: Hard Wood, Kaolin, Palm Oil
Source: Framingham State African Art Teaching Collection