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Object type
mask
Materials
wood, pigment, vegetal fibre
Legend
This kakungu mask was not worn by young circumcised males but by the isikika (specialist in mukanda charms). Kakungu helped to prevent the risk of haemorrhaging caused by removal of the foreskin. It kept sorcerers at a distance who might have posed a danger to the circumcised males. Lastly, it played a role in averting or summoning rain and storms.
Place of collecting
Democratic Republic of the Congo > Bandundu > Kwango
Culture
Suku
Field collector
Rev. Father Omer Butaye
Acquisition related person
Rev. Father Omer Butaye, as donor
Date of acquisition
1932-05-18
Dimensions
60 cm x 40 cm
Inventory number
EO.0.0.34145
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