Mask · D. R. Congo, Bwaka · ID: 3035715
Eduard Hess, Oberwil, Switzerland
Description
wood, partly encrusted brown patina, striking scarification marks in the area of forehead, nose and temples, the upper lip adorned with red glass beads, pierced around the rim, missing parts through insect caused damage, traces of abrasion;
Bwaka masks are used during circumcision rites when the initiates return to the village, but they are worn by members of an anti-witchcraft society as well.
The object Mask with the object ID 3035715 was last part of the auction 75th tribal art auction at November 30, 2013 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house. The object with the lot number 130 achieved a sales price of EUR 3,000.
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Comparing literature
Felix, Marc L., 100 Peoples of Zaire and their Sculpture, Brussels 1987, p. 121