The objects of the mukanda initiation
Object type:
mask
Materials:
wood, raffia, pigment, vegetal fibre, textile
Legend:
The example shown here is known as Mbawa. It was not worn by young circumcised males but came out at various moments of the mukanda ceremony. Mbawa could drive away sorcerers and thieves. It was also the most effective mask for calling up or averting rain.
Place of collecting:
Democratic Republic of the Congo > Bandundu > Kwango
Culture:
Suku
Acquisition related person:
Rev. Father Omer Butaye as donor
Date of acquisition:
1932-05-18
Dimensions:
162 cm x 112 cm x 50 cm
Inventory number:
EO.0.0.34147