Ritual Messengers

The Peoples of Central Africa

Cephalomorphic decorated dagger. Boa (?). Upper Zaïre. Ivory, iron.
© Africa-Museum, Tervuren

  The Boa

In the Uele region (northern Zaïre), the Boa are best known for their masks with large perforated ears. According to some sources, the masks are associated with war and were worn to frighten the enemy.


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