KUBA, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Wood, pigments, raffia, feathers. Superb old "Pwoom itok" dance mask depicting a human face with a rounded forehead, "chameleon" eyes in the shape of exorbitant cones, surrounded by small round orifices allowing vision, a protruding nose and stylized mouth. These masks were worn during initiation rituals and mourning ceremonies for dignitaries. They manifest themselves as "bukaang" oracles that people come to consult. 1st half of the 20th century. Height: 23 cm (mask alone). Cracks.

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