Protective Mask

Small bronze mask intended to receive the protection of the ancestors on it represented. It is an open-hulled family mask on the back. Its realization demonstrates the expertise of its founder and its mastery of sculpture. Facial scarifications and numerous details of difficult realization. Almond eyes under a string-shaped eyebrow. straight nose and mouth of thick lips ajar. Small bearded necklace on the chin from which two snakes leave that surround the cheeks. On the head stands a couple sitting on their knees. The woman holds a song between her hands, decorated with a fine zenephah. The man, with a braided beard reaching to his chest, holds a large bowl with his hands. Greenish patina.