Mask "mukinka" · D. R. Congo, Salampasu · ID: 3032885
sold
EUR 460
Provenance
Boris Kegel-Konietzko, Hamburg, Germany (1964)Sepp Arnemann, Hamburg, Germany
Size
H: 23,5 cm
H: 9.3 inch
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.
Comparing literature
Hahner-Herzog, Iris, Das Zweite Gesicht, Genf, München, New York 1997, p. 274