Mask "mulwalwa" · D. R. Congo, Kuba/Kete · ID: 3039944
Hauswedell & Nolte, Hamburg (1953)
Southern German Collection
Description
wood, black paint, red and white pigment, metal tag pupils, overlong face with Kuba-typical coiffure, prominent conical-shaped projecting eyes (suggesting a chamaeleon) and large nose, cheeks painted with triangular patterns and concentrical lines, massive superstructure in shape of an “upturned receptacle”, plug for support underneath the chin, cracks, traces of insect caused damage, strong abrasion of paint, traces of old age and weathering;
“mulwalwa” is among the most important masks in the southern Kuba region. It represents a nature spirit. The representation of an upturned cooking pot resting on the head suggests that “mulwalwa” is inebriated, as pots are used to collect palm wine which is consumed with relish during men’s society activities.
The object Mask “mulwalwa” with the object ID 3039944 was last part of the auction 82nd Tribal Art Auction at February 27, 2016 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house. The object with the lot number 473 achieved a sales price of EUR 1,200.
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