Mask Item Number: 3321/10 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Bwami mask made of wood. The mask has a long and narrow face that comes to a point at the chin. Although faded, the left side of the face appears to have once been coloured red, and the right side white. The forehead protrudes at the centre, and then continues down into a long, narrow nose. Small rectangles are carved out for eyes and a mouth, and two small holes for nostrils. The ears and eyes are very close-set. A beard of plant fibre is attached to six holes through the jaw line. The fibre is partially plaited, creating a solid band with long strands extending down. A single thin string is attached to the mask behind each ear.

Narrative

The donor said the mask was collected in Kindu in 1950.