Bell

Democratic Republic of the Congo, African

Late 19th/early 20th century

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Vessel topped with female head has narrow, cylindrical spout and strap handle. Head has three rows of plaits, closed coffee-bean eyes, nose and mouth. Body and shoulder of vessel have three registers of decoration, consisting of alternating triangles and diamonds.
Small earthenware ankh covered with a bright turquoise glaze.
Tall vertical plank surmounts circular "face." Patterns on plank are carved and painted with red, black, and white pigment. Patterns on front include two large "X" designs, one atop the other. Top of plank is sculpted into upturned crescent moon shape. Back of plank has checkerboard pattern. Hood "beak" shape extends from front of circular face, pointing downward toward circular "mouth" opening. Deep oval shape extends from back side of face to cover masquerader's face. Holes around edge of oval for rope to secure mask to back of masquerader's head.
Dark brownish-black vessel has round bottom and narrower neck with parallel raised bands; body has incised horizontal abstract design.