The objects of the mukanda initiation
Object type:
mask
Materials:
wood, raffia, pigment
Legend:
Masks of this type were worn at the closing ceremony of the mukanda of the Nkanu by young circumcised males. Some Nkanu masks are surmounted by an enormous spherical "head cover" made from coloured material and filled with straw giving it a very impressive "hot air balloon" appearance.
Place of collecting:
Democratic Republic of the Congo > Bandundu > Kwango
Culture:
Nkanu
Acquisition related person:
Dr Fain as donor
Date of acquisition:
1946-07-12
Dimensions:
39 cm
Inventory number:
EO.0.0.43093