In the Kasai province of the D.R. Congo, are a number of very small tribes who have retained their individuality, like
the Biombo who have a population of only about 5,000. The incised geometric
designs on the cheeks & chin indicate tribal scarifications.
Although Biombo
masks resemble their neighbors like the Pende, Tetela and Kuba, the 3 appendages
on top of the head identify this mask as Biombo and also indicate that it is
a male mask differentiating it to their female mask 'Tshimwana'. A woven
netting encases the back of the mask to provide a secure fit for the wearer's
head.
In the past, masks of this type may have served other religious and
ceremonial purposes such as marking life's important passages; however,
today they are used primarily for entertainment.
Height: 17 ¼" x Width: 8 ¾" x Depth: 8 ¼" - Mask height with raffia is 40".
