Mask "mukinka" · D. R. Congo, Salampasu · ID: 3035417
Swiss Private Collection
Description
wood, kaolin, the whole face covered with copper sheet, coiffure of rattan bowls, net-like plant fibre bonnet, 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 3035417 was last part of the auction 74th tribal art auction at September 7, 2013 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house. The object with the lot number 96 achieved a sales price of EUR 1,800.
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Comparing literature
Hahner-Herzog, Iris, Das Zweite Gesicht, Genf, München, New York 1997, p. 274