Portrait Face Mask (Mblo)
Not on view
This mask is an idealized representation of the prominent member of the community for which it was sculpted. While such works may depict either men or women, they were often commissioned by a man to honor a female relative or created by a carver in homage to a particular woman's dance skills and beauty. Because of their importance, only the best dancers are eligible to wear portrait masks in performance. On such occasions it is required that the portrait's subject, or "double," be present to accompany it.
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This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.
