20th C. Kota People "Mbuto" Type Mask. Gabon, W. Africa. Shows good age and use with several areas of village repair showing patina back over-top the broken areas. The KotaIn Kota wear these masks in celebration of the initiation of adolescent boys. During the 'pedagogical' part of the ritual the elders demonstrate to the young men that the masks are not monsters but human beings like themselves. The mask is also worn during anti-sorcery s?ances or for psychotherapeutic purposes. The mask represents a human head with a crest similar to the sagittal crest of the gorilla; it usually covers the dancer's face completely and is supported by a basketwork frame. Size: 15.25 x 7.25 in. Constructed of a heavy and tight grained hardwood and with applied black paint along with organic white and red ochre pigments. Old, metal nail repairs in three places. In excellent condition, overall. Provenance: old private collection, Florida, 1980's.