Mask "kakungu"

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Description

wood, matt patina, polychrome paint, prominent eyezone, small mouth, remains of formerly baloon-like projecting headdress (bonnet made of rattan and fabric strips), min. dam., traces of insect caused damage, abrasion, cracks, base;
“kakungu” is the oldest and most important mask among the Nkanu, which is neither female nor male for them. It was worn by the “mbaala”, the first circumcised, chosen from the eldest of the “bikumbi” initiates.

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Comparing literature

Herreman, Frank & Constantijn Petridis (ed.), Face of the Spirits, Tervuren 1993, p. 40 f. Damme, Annemieke van, Spectacular Display, New York 2001, p. 76 f.

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