Anthropomorphic face mask "mukinka" ·  D. R. Congo, Salampasu · ID: 3052431

Description

wood, sheet copper, rattan, copper plates of various colours and shapes, artfully inserted and repeatedly added to, suggesting long-term use, small imperfections

Copper-covered masks were considered highest in rank, they were worn at war ceremonies, celebrating brave “headhunters”. The little balls made of plaited fibres appear to symbolize masculinity.

The object Anthropomorphic face mask “mukinka” with the object ID 3052431 was last part of the auction Collectors’ Items Sale at September 24, 2025 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house. The object with the lot number 291 achieved a sales price of EUR 1,200.

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