Kambulu Kete Cibwabwabwa mask
Mukanda masks in African art
The Kete are an ethnic group very close to the Angolan enclave in southern Congo. Several ethnic groups occupy the region including the Nkuba and Kambulu. They borrowed their male initiation society Mukanda from the Chokwe, but in a less authoritarian and more flexible version.
In this context, the elders exceptionally had the opportunity to call on the Cibwabwabwa mask and his acolytes in times of low birth rate, during the dry season or if the hunts were unsuccessful. This mask also appeared as part of other happier festivities.
Three masks intervened together: the leader Cibwabwabwa, a male mask with a very dark patina such as this one, his wife Mushika, and the assistant Kabamba. The female mask is recognizable by its bright red patina.
01662
Data sheet
- Presumed dating
- Circa 1970
- Size
- 36 cm
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood
- Country
- Origin
- Tribal Art Collection Germany
- Condition
- Excellent
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Mukanda masks in African art
The Kete are an ethnic group very close to the Angolan enclave in southern Congo. Several ethnic groups occupy the region including the Nkuba and Kambulu. They borrowed their male initiation society Mukanda from the Chokwe, but in a less authoritarian and more flexible version.
In this context, the elders exceptionally had the opportunity to call on the Cibwabwabwa mask and his acolytes in times of low birth rate, during the dry season or if the hunts were unsuccessful. This mask also appeared as part of other happier festivities.
Three masks intervened together: the leader Cibwabwabwa, a male mask with a very dark patina such as this one, his wife Mushika, and the assistant Kabamba. The female mask is recognizable by its bright red patina.