Anthropomorphic face mask ·  D. R. Congo, Bwaka/Ubangi area · ID: 3040565

Description

wood, encrusted blackish brown patina, heart-shaped deepened eye-zone, prominent nose with narrow bridge and extremely skewed nostrils, asymmetrically arranged projecting ears, slightly dam. (eyes, root of the nose), abrasion of paint, metal base;
the mix of peoples in the Ubangi area is extremely complex, which is why a distinct assignment of masks to a certain ethnical group is rather difficult.
the Bwaka used masks for initiation and circumcision rites called “gaza”. Some sources speak of a “dagara” mask that is worn by the man who is charged with the instruction and circumcision of the initiates, during a festival which follows the young mens period of seclusion. Other sources relate that the initiates themselves wear a “moginda” mask to amuse themselves as well as to scare the girls during the initiates exodus from their place of seclusion.

The object Anthropomorphic face mask with the object ID 3040565 was last part of the auction 83rd Tribal Art Auction at May 28, 2016 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house and had the lot number 377.

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