Mask (Nganga Diphomba)
Yombe
1 of 4
Object Label
This mask was worn by a Yombe nganga, or ritual expert. Its white color probably represents the spirit of a deceased person. White was also associated with justice, order, truth, invulnerability, and insight—all virtues associated with the nganga.
Caption
Yombe. Mask (Nganga Diphomba), 19th century. Wood, pigment, kaolin, 10 7/8 x 7 3/4 x 5 1/2 in. (27.6 x 19.7 x 14 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Museum Expedition 1922, Robert B. Woodward Memorial Fund, 22.224. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Culture
Title
Mask (Nganga Diphomba)
Date
19th century
Geography
Possible place made: Lower Congo Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Medium
Wood, pigment, kaolin
Classification
Dimensions
10 7/8 x 7 3/4 x 5 1/2 in. (27.6 x 19.7 x 14 cm)
Credit Line
Museum Expedition 1922, Robert B. Woodward Memorial Fund
Accession Number
22.224
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