The objects of the mukanda initiation
Object type:
mask
Materials:
raffia, pigment, hair / fur, vegetal fibre, textile
Legend:
The example shown here is called Mbawa. It was not worn by young circumcised males but intervened at various moments during the mukanda. Mbawa drove away sorcerers and thieves. It was also the most effective mask for averting or summoning rain.
Place of collecting:
Democratic Republic of the Congo > Bandundu > Kwango > Kwango-oriental
Culture:
Yaka
Acquisition related person:
Alphonse Joseph Marie Verhavert (°1871 - †1934) as donor
Date of acquisition:
1910-07-26
Dimensions:
circa 130 cm x 123 cm x 65 cm
Inventory number:
EO.0.0.2289