Anthropomorphic face mask ·  D. R. Congo, Bwaka/Ubangi area · ID: 3040565

Description

wood, encrusted blackish brown patina, heart-shaped deepened eye-zone, prominent nose with narrow bridge and extremely skewed nostrils, asymmetrically arranged projecting ears, slightly dam. (eyes, root of the nose), abrasion of paint, metal base;
the mix of peoples in the Ubangi area is extremely complex, which is why a distinct assignment of masks to a certain ethnical group is rather difficult.
the Bwaka used masks for initiation and circumcision rites called “gaza”. Some sources speak of a “dagara” mask that is worn by the man who is charged with the instruction and circumcision of the initiates, during a festival which follows the young mens period of seclusion. Other sources relate that the initiates themselves wear a “moginda” mask to amuse themselves as well as to scare the girls during the initiates exodus from their place of seclusion.