Mask "kasangu"
D. R. Congo, Salampasu
sold
EUR 800
Provenance
Boris Kegel-Konietzko, Hamburg, Germany (collected in situ 1955, Southern Kasai Area, District Louise, Village Tulume)Zemanek-Münster, Würzburg, 31 October 2015, lot 487
Size
H: 28,5 cm
H: 11.2 inch
Description
wood, kaolin, black paint, dam., minor missing parts, abrasion of paint, waterspots, insect caused damage, base.
“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.
Publications
AHDRC: 0127231