Mask
Place of originDemocratic Republic of Congo
Suku Artist
(Democratic Republic of Congo)
Mask
Daten.d. (ca. 19th c.)
Mediumwood
Dimensionsobject: 15 in. (38.1 cm)
ClassificationRITUAL OBJECTS
Credit LineSBMA, Gift of Mrs. Clifford D. Mallory in honor of Ala Story
Object number1971.7.2
Subject(s)
- heads and faces
Collection
- African
On View
Not on viewLabel TextThe Congolese Suku peoples made helmet masks whose faces they painted white or red. White masks were used in male initiation ceremonies. The rarer red-faced masks, like this one, played a role in healing rituals. The mask represents a female character who usually carries a household item or a basket with food on top of her head. Here we see a headrest, a piece of furniture whose meaning is unclear but probably related to the ritual. Worn by a male performer, the mask was danced to aid the weak and sick or to help women conceive children.
