This superior mask is known as a Ngaady a Mwaash mask from the Kuba people of the Congo. Ngaady Mwaash is one of the three primary masks of the BaKuba of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, formerly Zaire. It represents the spouse (and sister!) of Woot, the first ancestor….a creation story myth similar to Adam and Eve. The vertical stripes on her cheeks represent tears. The headdress is woven of raffia.  Note the intricate beadwork and beautifully patterned cowrie shells. A top quality piece of some age.