Hand Carved Wood Congo Wall Mask from West Africa, "Baluba Hunter"

The Baluba people are grassland and forest-dwelling hunters native to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Inspired by their ancient traditions, West African artist Emmanuel Austin Ankude carves this mask from wood in the style of Baluba dance masks, finishing the surface with clay for an aged effect. The mask features a human face with slitted eyes, a pointed chin, and hoops dangling from the ears.