The Lele people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo number approximately 30,000 and they produce art which is similar to that of their neighbors to the east, the Kuba people, to whom they are related by language. Lele masks are used principally for funerals of chiefs, and they usually have relatively flat facial planes with incised designs. Also typical of Lele masks are slit eyes which are surrounded by multiple lines. Lele masks are also worn at the annual founding celebrations. This particular mask has a joyful demeanor, and its carved wood face is topped with a cloth cap which has detailed beadwork, as well as abundant cowrie shell decoration. -Robbins/Nooter -Bacquart