Anthropo-zoomorphic mask of "mukanda" initiation ·  D. R. Congo, Pende, East · ID: 3048332

Description

wood, colour pigments,
This mask could be a variant of the “thangi” mask type, which is usually characterised by broken, serrated horns.

According to Strother’s field report, “thangi” is a pun on “matangi” (“thoughts”). The zigzag horns are meant to exhort the initiators to be resourceful while facing life’s difficulties. What is meant is that sometimes you have to try many different ways before you find the best solution.

The object Anthropo-zoomorphic mask of “mukanda” initiation with the object ID 3048332 was last part of the auction Online Auction at September 27, 2023 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house. The object with the lot number 277 achieved a sales price of EUR 200.

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Comparing literature

Strother, Z.S., Pende, Mailand 2008, p. 15 f.