Mask

Description

wood, brown patina, red and white paint, of elongated form, with slanting face halves culminating in a vertical middle rigde, large oval see holes, painted with dots and star-shaped emblems, drilled holes around the rim, slightly dam., abrasion of paint, minor missing parts along rim, base;
Ituri masks were made of the fresh wood of the “ntondo” or “agbagba” tree, specially felled for this purpose. Prayers are said and certain taboos observed by carvers during their work. With the sculpting finished, the mask is painted by an “ishumi”. The ritualist recites sacred formulas and makes offerings while carrying out his work. Later the vegetal fiber fringe is attached to the mask by another specialist, usually the herbalist (who is also a healer). All the mask wearers are male. The masks are worn both at initiations and at circumcisions of young boys, at ceremonies related to men’s associations, and perhaps also at the funerals of titleholders.

Publications

AHDRC: 0142042