Mask

Ngbaka; possibly Banja

1 of 5

Object Label

Although little information exists concerning the masking traditions of the many ethnic groups of the Ubangi region in the northern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, masks were likely used during the activities which surrounded boys' initiations and circumcisions. Masks from the region can be identified by their characteristics scarification marks: rows of bumps or incisions running across the forehead and down the bridge of the nose, sometimes extending to the chin.

Caption

Ngbaka; possibly Banja. Mask, 19th century. Wood, 13 x 9 7/8 x 5 3/4 in. (33 x 25.1 x 14.6 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Museum Expedition 1922, Robert B. Woodward Memorial Fund, 22.1585. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)

Gallery

Not on view

Collection

Arts of Africa

Title

Mask

Date

19th century

Medium

Wood

Classification

Masks

Dimensions

13 x 9 7/8 x 5 3/4 in. (33 x 25.1 x 14.6 cm)

Credit Line

Museum Expedition 1922, Robert B. Woodward Memorial Fund

Accession Number

22.1585

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