The Biombo have been strongly influenced politically and culturally by their neighbors to the north, the Kuba. Like Kuba masks, Biombo masks are worn at funerals and initiations. Masks in both traditions have large slit eyes and painted geometric patterns on the forehead, cheeks and chin. The muted red color seen here is more characteristic of Biombo masks, however.
Catalogue Description:
The object is a mask with outlined scrolls and circles on heavy forehead, protruding eyes with slit openings, a projecting circular mouth, checkerboard patterns on cheeks as well as perforations for costume attachment, and red and white pigment in mouth and eye areas.
