Mixed Media Portrait of an African Tribal Mask

This artwork is a vibrant mixed media portrait, likely utilizing pastel, charcoal, or oil crayon on a paper or board substrate. The piece depicts a highly stylized African mask with a prominent headdress and beard. The color palette is rich and earthy, featuring deep reds, ochre yellows, and heavy black outlines that define the facial structure and texture. The subject's eyes are rendered in a striking yellow/white contrast, giving it a penetrating gaze. The drawing style is expressive and gestural, characterized by thick, energetic strokes that suggest a modern or contemporary interpretation of traditional tribal art. It measures approximately medium to large scale (estimated 18x24 inches or larger) and is currently encased in protective plastic wrap inside a simple reddish-brown frame. The initials 'MH' are clearly visible in the lower right corner, indicating the artist's signature. The condition appears fair to good; while the artwork itself seems intact, the protective plastic indicates it may have been stored recently. There are no immediate signs of moisture damage or fading, though the presence of glare from the plastic reflects a need for professional mounting. This piece appears to be a 20th-century or contemporary work, blending ethnographic themes with an expressionist fine art approach.