Mask "mukinka" · D. R. Congo, Salampasu · ID: 3032885
Sepp Arnemann, Hamburg, Germany
Description
wood, the whole face covered with copper sheet, coiffure of rattan bowls, beard and net-like bonnet made of plant fibres, min. dam., slight traces of abrasion;
the number of masks a warrior society owned, indicated proven courage, experience of warfare and the number of “enemy heads” that had been taken. Copper-covered masks were considered highest in rank, they were worn at war ceremonies, celebrating brave “headhunters”. The little balls made of plaited fibres appear to symbolize masculinity.
The object Mask “mukinka” with the object ID 3032885 was part of the auction 69th tribal art auction on June 2, 2012. The object with the lot number 151 achieved a sales price of EUR 460 with an asking price of EUR 350.
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Comparing literature
Hahner-Herzog, Iris, Das Zweite Gesicht, Genf, München, New York 1997, p. 274