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| For additional detail, click on any photo below to see the higher resolution version of the image. |
Lwalwa Mkaki male mask, Democratic Republic of the Congo
wood, pigment
13" tall x 8" wide x 7" deep
mid 20th century, definite signs of age and use
ex private collection, US
This mask was acquired by a former US diplomat during his tour of duty in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
in the early 70's.
$3000
An exceptionally beautiful mask with nice symmetry and form. I especially enjoy the shape of the elongated nose
on this example rising to the high peak of the pointed forehead.
There are four different categories of these particular masks; three of them are male masks and one is female.
The male masks are the mkaki, shifoola and the mfondo. The mkaki with a nose sculpted into a wide triangular
panel that sometimes extends up to the forehead; the shifoola, a mask with a short, hooked nose and the mfondo
in which the nose is reminiscent of the mkaki’s, but smaller. The female mask is called mushika or kashika which
has a comb-like coiffure. The shapes of the noses on each mask are modeled after different birds.
The cap-like coiffure is adorned by a characteristic incised geometric patterns which bear traces of white paint
which is also found around the eyes and ears. The small hole in the mouth was used to attach a cord that the
wearer held in his teeth to keep the mask in place. These masks were originally danced in initiation ceremonies of
adolescent boys as well as ceremonies for hunting and fertility rites.
wood, pigment
13" tall x 8" wide x 7" deep
mid 20th century, definite signs of age and use
ex private collection, US
This mask was acquired by a former US diplomat during his tour of duty in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
in the early 70's.
$3000
An exceptionally beautiful mask with nice symmetry and form. I especially enjoy the shape of the elongated nose
on this example rising to the high peak of the pointed forehead.
There are four different categories of these particular masks; three of them are male masks and one is female.
The male masks are the mkaki, shifoola and the mfondo. The mkaki with a nose sculpted into a wide triangular
panel that sometimes extends up to the forehead; the shifoola, a mask with a short, hooked nose and the mfondo
in which the nose is reminiscent of the mkaki’s, but smaller. The female mask is called mushika or kashika which
has a comb-like coiffure. The shapes of the noses on each mask are modeled after different birds.
The cap-like coiffure is adorned by a characteristic incised geometric patterns which bear traces of white paint
which is also found around the eyes and ears. The small hole in the mouth was used to attach a cord that the
wearer held in his teeth to keep the mask in place. These masks were originally danced in initiation ceremonies of
adolescent boys as well as ceremonies for hunting and fertility rites.
