Mask "nkoh" of the "kungan" society ·  Cameroon Grassfields, Bamileke · ID: 3029847

Description

wood, encrusted brown patina, remains of kaolin and animal hair, collection number “73559” on the rear, pierced around the rim, min. dam., rep., missing parts, traces of insect caused damage, on base;
one of the most dangerous and ferocious Bamileke masks, just used on occasion of big festivities. During the perfomance the mask was fixed by ropes and sprinkled with water in order to calm its aggressiveness. “Kungan” is a kind of religious society, led by nine priests, responsible for healing and truth telling.

Comparing literature

Robbins, Warren M., Ingram Nooter, Nancy, African Art in American Collections, o.O. 1989, p. 310, ill. 793