Suku Hemba mask
Mukanda mask in the tradition of South R. D. Congo
African mask from Kwango, in R. D. Congo, whose face still bears traces of kaolin, white pigment. At the top, there is a representation of a bird which is typical of Hemba-type Suku masks. These were worn, like the other masks, as part of the initiation of boys into mukanda, at the end of which they would be circumcised and become adult men.
The mask was worn with an imposing raffia headdress. The Suku hemba mask is uncommon.
01924
Data sheet
- Size
- 26 cm
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood, kaolin
- Country
- Condition
- Excellent
Mukanda mask in the tradition of South R. D. Congo
African mask from Kwango, in R. D. Congo, whose face still bears traces of kaolin, white pigment. At the top, there is a representation of a bird which is typical of Hemba-type Suku masks. These were worn, like the other masks, as part of the initiation of boys into mukanda, at the end of which they would be circumcised and become adult men.
The mask was worn with an imposing raffia headdress. The Suku hemba mask is uncommon.