lukwakongo Wood, pigment, plant fiber beard height (not including fiber) 6 1/2in (16.5cm) Provenance Merton D. Simpson Gallery, New York (no. 3975) Mona Gavigan - Affrika Gallery, Washington, D.C., acquired from the above in the mid-1980s Robert and Nancy Nooter Collection, Washington, D.C. The artist of this exceptional ludwakongo maskette, with its mysterious physical presence, has skillfully captured the enigmatic qualities of the highest form of Lega art. Carved in an elongated oval form, the deeply carved and swollen eye sockets immediately capture one's attention. The nose is narrow, yet prominent and enhances the dimensional characteristics; the deeply-grooved mouth has large mysterious indentations in the lower lip; attached around the lower half is a fiber beard adding an organic touch to the composition; the forehead highlighted with linear patterns of dots; smooth, light brown patina on the forehead with kaolin highlighting the face. Collection inventory number "3975" written in white ink on back.