Democratic Republic of Congo/Zaire
Songye

Wood, white kaolin, black resinous material, straw
Late 19th Century
Mask Length: 21 inches
Other – Regalia

This is an older Songye Kifwebe (male mask) from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).  The mask features linear geometric carvings painted over with white kaolin. The almond-shaped slit eyes, a square, protruding mouth, and a vertical stripe running from the top of the head over the nose are painted black (tar, or composite resinous material).  Around the edges are holes for the attached straw fiber.   

The regalia including the mask consists of a hood shirt attached to the mask, and pants made of woven bark with a belt implement of animal skins and/or furs.  The soles of their shoes may be elephant skin.  The masks embodied supernatural forces and in the Kifwebe society were used in witchcraft, sorcery, and even to ward off diseases, epidemics, or any threat to the people.

There are several types of Kifwebe masks that come in many sizes and shapes, all depending upon the area they are made; whether is a male, female, or youngster; and their function.  Basically, for the male mask, the crest and conical protrusion of the head contain the magical strength and the larger this area, the more powerful the mask.

Resource: https://randafricanart.com/index1.html