The objects of the mukanda initiation
Object type:
mask
Materials:
wood, vegetal fibre
Legend:
This Nkanu mask is generally considered as a makemba. Makemba is supposed to represent a pregnant woman or mother. It is sometimes suggested that makemba personifies the woman crying for her "dead" children during the mukanda who are then "reborn" as men.
Place of collecting:
Democratic Republic of the Congo > Bandundu > Kwango
Culture:
Nkanu
Acquisition related person:
Alphonse-François-Edouard Cabra (°1862 - †1932) as donor
Date of acquisition:
1903-05-12
Dimensions:
41,4 cm x 25,1 cm x 49 cm
Inventory number:
EO.0.0.205-11