Ceremonial mask

mask

Wooden ceremonial mask from Sierra Leone, West Africa. Wood, painted dark brown, carved face includes holes for eyes and nostrils, elongated ears, 3 protrusions on top of head. Top has 3 drilled holes, string tied through two. Said to be a "Gongoli" entertainment mask. A "Gongoli" is a character dressed as an elder, walking in the manner mimicking an old person, who teases an taunts children in a playful manner while teaching them traditional lessons of the village. These characters are a favorite of the Mende.