Kuyu Kebe-Kebe Puppet, Based

Beneath the long cloth, a dancer. Above it, on a pole, a head that turns and sways.

That was a Kebe-Kebe performance among the Kuyu of the Republic of Congo, and this carved head dates to the 20th century. The face is pale green, with black brows, white eyes and full red lips, under a black coiffure carved in fine ridges.

A red collar with white dots and black squares sits above black ringed bands, and below them the plain wooden pole shows age and weathering. Eighteen inches tall, on a black stand.

Hang up the costume. Keep the head.