Mask "mukinka"
D. R. Congo, Salampasu
sold
EUR 1,800
Provenance
Adrian Schlag, Brussels, Belgium (1998)Eduard Hess, Basel, Switzerland
Size
H: 29 cm
H: 11.4 inch
Description
wood, dark brown patina, typical form (bulging forehead/small face) and coiffure (rattan bowls), originally entirely coated with copper sheet, remains of a netlike knotted bonnet of cord material, slightly dam., minor missing parts, paint rubbed off;
masks of the Salampasu belong to the warrior societies “mungongo” and “matambu”. They were worn at war ceremonies in order to celebrate brave “headhunters”. Anyone who wears them had achieved highest prestige and rank.