| An old Sukuma face-mask. Masks such as this are associated with agrarian rites. Interestingly anyone who wanted to wear one of these masks could do so for a token fee.
Most of the original dark red paint is still on the mask. Some flaking and scratches. The wood has been partially rubbed away on the forehead. This could have possibly been used for medicinal purposes. There are five wooden teeth in the rectangular mouth.
Lit.: "Tanzania - Meisterwerke Afrikanischer Skulptur" including Marc L. Felix |