Mask "mukinka" ·  D. R. Congo, Salampasu · ID: 3044048

Description

wood, copper sheet, plant fibre, base

Traditionally, masks of the Salampasu belong to a broad range of male societies and associated initiation sub-societies.

Most often masks are related to the so-called warriors society “mu(n)gongo”, which served mainly to protect the Salampasu against invasions from rival clans or other external forces.

To become a member of “mu(n)gongo”, Salampasu boys must be circumcised and pass through its various initiation sub-societies. Each initiation sub-society has an associated mask type which the boys gain access to upon completing the initiation level and paying an initiation fee.

The object Mask “mukinka” with the object ID 3044048 was last part of the auction 89th Tribal Art Auction at July 7, 2018 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house. The object with the lot number 449 achieved a sales price of EUR 400.

You can find more Masks and other popular object types on our related topic pages. You may also be interested in our page on African art.