20th C. African Binji Wood Helmet Mask - Tshibangabanga

Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Binji (also Bindji) peoples, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A lovely hand-carved wooden helmet mask known as a "tshibangabanga" that is painted with vivid white and red pigments atop a dark-brown ground. The mask is defined by a slanted lower periphery, a pointed chin, a prominent nose with tufts of braided and loose fibers, rectangular eyes with bead-adorned brows, and projecting conical ears. The cheeks and forehead are incised with crosshatch panels indicative of ritual scarification, with linear and zigzag motifs adorning the sides and verso, and a perforated top knot above the bulbous coiffure.

Dozens of drilled attachment holes line the lower periphery of the mask and enable the attachment of a textile costume. Tshibangabanga masks like this example are believed to contain the greatest amount of spiritual power of the Binji masks, and only the "master of the initiation camps" can wear them.

Losses to some beads on eye brows, and old adhesive residue is still visible. Minor nicks and abrasions to chin, ears, forehead, and top knot, with fading to original pigmentation, several stable fissures, and softening to some finer details. Nice earthen deposits and great traces of original pigment throughout.