Mask "mfondo"
D. R. Congo, Lwalwa
not available anymore
Size
H: 35 cm
H: 13.8 inch
Description
wood, matt patina, red paint, concave vaulted facial plane, rectangular pierced eyes, tubular protruding mouth, min. dam., cracks, small missing parts, slight traces of abrasion;
the small hole underneath the nose was used for attachment of a string, which the dancer held with his teeth in order to fix the mask 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.