This is a mask made to honor an important dead person. It was worn in the celebration of the persons death. A ceremony will be held where a king or chief will ware the mask and act out the good deeds you have done. Usually these where made for high-ranked and other high government people. The mask symbolizes achievement and wisdom. In Kuba culture, it is believed that if you do not make one of these for the recently deceased, they will haunt your family. These masks are made of carved wood, embroidered palm fronds, beads, shells and pearls. A white long beard means he was a wise old man. There are different patterns that are used by each tribe. All of the decorations show respect. I found these masks interesting because it is different from our customs. I think it would be odd being the person waring the mask in the ceremony because you are waring a mask that represents a dead person and you are suppose to act like them too. Seems creepy to me.
