Mask "mukinka" · D. R. Congo, Salampasu · ID: 3038298
Jean-Marc Desaive, Soumagne, Belgium
Marc Assayag, Montreal, Canada
Description
wood, entirely coated with bands of copper sheet, a cone-like cane structure atop the head coated with chicken feathers, mouth and eyes accentuated by a thick layer of chalk, slightly dam., base;
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 3038298 was last part of the auction 79th Tribal Art Auction at March 21, 2015 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house and had the lot number 480.
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