Plate 10

A Challenge mask. The smooth flesh of the face is skin-covered. In the possession of the authors, it was bought with only the remnants of skin attached to the mask and was re-covered by a local expert. The skin used was that of a ram, colour being added afterwards (camwood powder). The tribal marks are shown by small discs of gourd pinned to the surface of the mask. The skin is attached to the wood by tiny bamboo pins in the ears, behind the nostrils and under the chin. The eye hollows were left unadorned, shadows giving the impression of eyes in a remarkable way. The head-dress exaggerates the elongation of the mask. The origins of this mask are not certain since it was bought in Fontem from a trader and may be from the western forest regions.