Mask "mukinka" · D. R. Congo, Salampasu · ID: 3033947
Description
light brown wood, kaolin, the whole face covered with copper sheet, coiffure of rattan bowls with funnel-shaped crest, 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 3033947 was last part of the auction 71st tribal art auction at November 24, 2012 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house. The object with the lot number 426 achieved a sales price of EUR 450.
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Comparing literature
Hahner-Herzog, Iris, Das Zweite Gesicht, Genf, München, New York 1997, p. 274