In this depiction of an Ife king, what is the purpose of the parallel lines running down and around the face?

a) They represent the result of scarification, a process of decoration of the face.
b) They suggest the surface material and appearance of a ceremonial mask worn by the king.
c) They are contouring lines added by the sculptor to create a sense of light and shadow on the three-dimensional figure.
d) They are symbolic of a king, identifying the sculpture as a royal portrait in contrast to a smooth-surfaced face representing a commoner.

Answer: A