Mask "mukinka" ·  D. R. Congo, Salampasu · ID: 3034461

Description

wood, kaolin, the whole face covered with copper sheet, coiffure of rattan bowls, net-like bonnet made of plant fibres, min. dam., slight traces of abrasion, metal socle;
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 3034461 was last part of the auction 72nd tribal art auction at March 9, 2013 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house and had the lot number 463.

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Comparing literature

Hahner-Herzog, Iris, Das Zweite Gesicht, Genf, München, New York 1997, p. 274