Mask "mfondo"

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Description

wood, dark brown patina, kaolin, of hollowed oval form with rectangular eyes, pierced around the rim, fine cracks, slight traces of abrasion, base;
the small hole underneath the nose was used for attachment of a string, serving to hold the mask with the teeth and fix it in front of the face. These masks were used for initiation of the young boys of the “ngongo” society as well as for fertility- and hunting rites.

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Comparing literature

Hahner-Herzog, Iris, Das Zweite Gesicht, Genf, München, New York 1997, ill. 85

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