Sculptural Element from a Reliquary Ensemble (mbulu ngulu)

Cleveland Museum of Art

Brass and wood sculpture of a face with a semicircular crest on top. The face features a long nose, straight mouth, and triangular eyes with horizontal pupils. The face has a cross-like shape on the forehead with etched lines on either side. Two curved pieces protrude from the sides of the face, each adorned with four short tassels. The face is attached to a long, thin neck and a forked base with three feet. The sculpture has a predominantly brass color with areas of visible wood.