| Description |
Two dimensional wall hanging carving in the form of a mask, showing an elongated man’s face whose forehead and cheeks are painted black and decorated with large tan dots; Eyes and nose are both painted gray with black outlines and eyes are also inset with cowrie shells; Figure’s lips are greatly exaggerated and extended; Lower lip is painted gray or off-white and decorated with large black dots; Upper lip is carved as an extension of the cheeks, extending even lower than the lower lip and in the form of long narrow projection that terminates in a snake-like head that is painted red; Figure’s red extended tongue is concealed beneath the upper lip (a distended tongue is a sign of welcoming); Small bit of plant fiber is knotted alongside figure’s eyes, possibly suggesting ears; Additional loop of plant fiber for hanging carving is looped through hole drilled at top of carving. |
