Mask "kasangu" · D. R. Congo, Salampasu · ID: 3039252
sold
EUR 1,400
Provenance
Boris Kegel-Konietzko, Hamburg, Germany (collected in situ 1955, Southern Kasai Area, District Louise, Village Tulume)Size
H: 28,5 cm
H: 11.2 inch
Description
wood, kaolin, black paint, whitened facial plane, plant fibre bonnet, dam., minor missing parts (forehead, nose, chin), strong abrasion of paint, waterspots, small traces of insect caused damage;
“kasangu” masks represented warriors and were part of the “ibuku” society. They were reserved for those who had killed an opponent in battle. The headdress consisted of a tuft of feathers, or a coiffure with balls of cane. The masqueraders were mostly clothed in a costume of knotted fibres and a catskin skirt. In their hands were carried antilope horns or double-edged swords.