Tshimwana Mask
Arts of Africa
The Biombo have been strongly influenced politically and culturally by their neighbors to the north, the Kuba. Like Kuba masks, Biombo masks are worn at funerals and initiations. Masks in both traditions have large slit eyes and painted geometric patterns on the forehead, cheeks and chin. The muted red color seen here is more characteristic of Biombo masks, however.
MEDIUM
Wood, pigment
DATES
late 19th or early 20th century
DIMENSIONS
13 9/16 x 8 5/16 x 7 1/2 in. (34.4 x 21.1 x 19.1 cm)
(show scale)
ACCESSION NUMBER
56.6.10
CREDIT LINE
Gift of Arturo and Paul Peralta-Ramos
CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION
The object is a mask with outlined scrolls and circles on heavy forehead, protruding eyes with slit openings, a projecting circular mouth, checkerboard patterns on cheeks as well as perforations for costume attachment, and red and white pigment in mouth and eye areas.
MUSEUM LOCATION
This item is not on view
CAPTION
Biombo. Tshimwana Mask, late 19th or early 20th century. Wood, pigment, 13 9/16 x 8 5/16 x 7 1/2 in. (34.4 x 21.1 x 19.1 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Arturo and Paul Peralta-Ramos, 56.6.10. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 56.6.10_PS2.jpg)
IMAGE
overall, 56.6.10_PS2.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2007
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RIGHTS STATEMENT
Creative Commons-BY
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