Boa Mask Repainted Congo

This marvelously expressive mask could be a recent example of a well-known mask type from the Boa people who live in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Other examples of Boa masks have large protruding round ears and either narrow slotted or rounded eyes. Because there are so few of these masks a stylistic standard has not yet been defined. Their art is known by only a few figures and harps and best known through a number of black, white and red painted masks. Boa art is also said to exhibit influences from their Mangbetu and Azande neighbors. . Very little has been written about these masks and their main function seems to be limited to a men’s warrior society while others claim it danced in a men’s secret society. 

Mask cannot stand on its own.

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