Female Face Mask (Mbuya ya Mukhetu)

Since the mid-20th century Pende masquerades have mainly been organized for entertainment, but they were previously charged with fostering communion between the living and the dead. Such performances occurred when the millet was sowed or harvested or when epidemics threatened the community. This female mask is adorned with a wig of small raffia braids. The maker has also evoked the local practice of beautifying the skin with a mixture of camwood powder and oil.

Credit: Gift of Neal Ball in honor of Richard Townsend