“The Female Crown” – Nigeria

Woman’s mask painted in red, symbolizing love, and decorated—on the forehead and cheeks—in white, denoting communion with tribal ancestors. The eyes are open wide and the nose is carefully drawn; the mouth, pulled upward at the corners, is colored red, and the small ears lay close to the sides of the head. On its head are two hollow crowns facing in opposite directions, which represent wisdom and man’s ability to direct his thoughts.