Zoomorphic mask

Description

light brown wood, black paint, kaolin, conical protruding eyes, accentuated by concentrical lines, crowned by horn on the parting, pierced around the rim, min. dam., missing part at the back, cracks, slight traces of abrasion, inscribed “C3” in white paint, mounted on “Inagaki” base;
the Nunuma belong to the group of the Gurunsi. Their masks appear at funeral ceremonies and above all on yearly festivities held in order to clean the village. They take place before the rainy season, at the beginning of April. They introduce the new agricultural period, as well as a new ritual cycle.
The knowledge of the masks and their geometrical patterns is restricted to the male population. During a two week initiation the boys are introduced to this secret knowledge, which also serves for mediation of social and moral values.Antique object over 100years. Artist and Wood unknown. No Cultural assets.

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