Mask

19th–early 20th century
Not on view
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.
A small number of highly naturalistic and finely carved face masks have been associated with the professional practice of Kongo priests (banganga). Although several photographs document related works being worn in what appear to be ceremonial contexts, there is no specific information about those events.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Mask
  • Date: 19th–early 20th century
  • Geography: Democratic Republic of the Congo; Republic of the Congo; Cabinda, Angola
  • Culture: Kongo peoples; Yombe group
  • Medium: Wood, pigment
  • Dimensions: H. 9 in. (22.9 cm), W. 6 5/8 in. (16.8 cm), D. 4 1/8 in. (10.6 cm)
  • Classification: Wood-Sculpture
  • Credit Line: Kimbell Art Museum, Fort Worth
  • Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing