Helmet mask · D. R. Congo, Mbala/Kwese · ID: 3042394
not available anymore
Provenance
Louis Dansert, Cannes, FranceSize
H: 29,5 cm
H: 11.6 inch
Description
wood, polychrome paint, metal tags, exuberant grass fibre collar, the actual facial plane proportionally small, coiffure with middle crest, min. dam., traces of insect caused damage (inside) and abrasion;
such bell-shaped helmet masks performed during circumcision rites for young boys. They can be found by a great number of ethnical groups in southwestern Zaire: especially with the Suku, but with the Yaka, Mbala, Hungaan, Pindi and Pende as well.