Mask "mukinka" · D. R. Congo, Salampasu · ID: 3033947
sold
EUR 450
Provenance
German Private Collection, HamburgSize
H: 26 cm
H: 10.2 inch
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.
Comparing literature
Hahner-Herzog, Iris, Das Zweite Gesicht, Genf, München, New York 1997, p. 274