Abstract: An apparatus for continuously forming a cyclically contoured and densified air-laid fibrous web having alternately spaced relatively high basis weight narrow regions and relatively low basis weight wide regions. This web can be severed by spaced transverse cuts into uniform, contoured articles such as fibrous absorbent cores for disposable diapers having relatively thick, narrow and absorbent crotch areas; and relatively thin waistband regions. The apparatus comprises means for producing such a web without stepwise basis weight gradients. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises an air-laying drum having an endless lay down surface which is partially masked to define a plurality of alternately spaced relatively wide areas and relatively narrow areas.