Penn State tries its best to bring diversity to the campus. Until Feb. 28, students have the opportunity to take advantage of this.

"Congo Images," an exhibit of masks and figurines from the Matson Museum of Anthropology Collection is now on display in the Wooden Cases in Art Alley in the HUB-Robeson Center.

Captain and Mrs. Ryan J. McCombie of State College donated the collection, which they obtained during their visit to the region in the 1980s.

The exhibit consists of four masks and five displays of figurines that were made from wood, metal and stone during the 20th century.

Although the meaning behind each particular mask/figurine varies, most serve the purposes of protection or play a role in important life cycles.

The first mask, a Yaka initiation mask, is extremely large and quite disturbing. It has large, curling horns protruding from the back of the head, which reminds me of something out of a Star Wars movie.

This particular mask is used in male initiation rites, which often include male circumcision and elaborate village dances. Sometimes magical substances that cause injury or heal are stuffed into those massive horns.

Another notable one is the "Mboom" mask of the Kuba. The Kuba's art represents figures from their history. "Mboom" is a male mask representing the king's brother who is jealous of his wife, thus symbolizing opposition to the king's authority.

This particular one is quite detailed, having wrinkles carved into the cheeks and brow. Its size would engulf someone's head, even beyond the ears. Various beads outline the facial features and animal skins and fur top the head.

It's intellectually intriguing, if not diverse.

—Reviewed by Jennifer Slivka