This sese mask is presented by Bomukasa and Louis K. Botchway. It is a replica of those usually given to young females after undergoing certain initiation rites. The mask reveals expert worksmanship through the ornate details and unique use of organic dyes to render it. Females, both old and young, from Congo DR, Cameroon, and other Western African countries would come together for an initiation known as Hehle. The young females would undergo an inspection by a selected group of elderly women, as virginity was key in this ritual, and offer the results to only their respective clans. A mask would then be presented, being seen as an important symbol of honor. For this particular Congolese wood mask, ‘Congo Virgin’ it has a price of $49.95.
