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Face Mask

A work made of wood, kaolin, and pigment.

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  • A work made of wood, kaolin, and pigment.

Date:

Late 19th-early 20th century

Artist:

Possibly Bwa
Uele region, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Central Africa

About this artwork

Little is known about the meaning and use of these masks. Only 20 examples are extant and even their common attribution to the little-known Bwa (or Boa) people remains uncertain. Named pongdudu in early 20th-century written sources, such face masks were described as promising to confer invulnerability during battle, and instilling fear in the enemy. However, recent research has indicated that the relationship between these masks and warfare is fictitious.

Status

On View, Gallery 137

Department

Arts of Africa

Culture

Bwa

Title

Face Mask

Place

Democratic Republic of the Congo (Object made in)

Date  Dates are not always precisely known, but the Art Institute strives to present this information as consistently and legibly as possible. Dates may be represented as a range that spans decades, centuries, dynasties, or periods and may include qualifiers such as c. (circa) or BCE.

1875–1925

Medium

Wood, kaolin, and pigment

Dimensions

H.: 28.6 cm (11 1/4 in.)

Credit Line

Purchased with funds provided by Samuel A. Marx

Reference Number

1961.915

Extended information about this artwork

Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.

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