Facial mask Basikasingo - SOLD OUT
African facial mask from the Basikasingo peopleA wooden mask with tear-drop shaped face, almond shaped eyes with slits to the centre, short nose with flared nostrils. The mouth open in an rached smile, small beard to the base of the chin and lobed border to the edge. Scarification marks to the cheeks. The Basikasingo, also known as the Eastern Bembe, of the Democratic Republic of Congo are a matrilineal people who traditionally live in extended families of up to three generations. The chief (nga-bula) of each tribe has roles that extend beyond judicial and authoritative, and he plays an important role as mediator with the ancestors. The worship of the ancestors is a central to the life of the Basikasingo people, and the ancestors are honoured with recitation of their lineage at shrines in the shape of small huts. Masks are used at these ancestor shrines as well as during circumcision rituals performed in male only secret societies; the act of circumcision brings the boy into the world of the male. Dancers wear the masks of the ancestors to welcome the boy into male society and to scare away evil spirits that could harm him during the operation.Origin : gathered "in situ"Dating : 1970Size : 39 x 22 cmMaterial : wood
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African facial mask from the Basikasingo peopleA wooden mask with tear-drop shaped face, almond shaped eyes with slits to the centre, short nose with flared nostrils. The mouth open in an rached smile, small beard to the base of the chin and lobed border to the edge. Scarification marks to the cheeks. The Basikasingo, also known as the Eastern Bembe, of the Democratic Republic of Congo are a matrilineal people who traditionally live in extended families of up to three generations. The chief (nga-bula) of each tribe has roles that extend beyond judicial and authoritative, and he plays an important role as mediator with the ancestors. The worship of the ancestors is a central to the life of the Basikasingo people, and the ancestors are honoured with recitation of their lineage at shrines in the shape of small huts. Masks are used at these ancestor shrines as well as during circumcision rituals performed in male only secret societies; the act of circumcision brings the boy into the world of the male. Dancers wear the masks of the ancestors to welcome the boy into male society and to scare away evil spirits that could harm him during the operation.Origin : gathered "in situ"Dating : 1970Size : 39 x 22 cmMaterial : wood