Mukinka AAA294 mask

A Mukinka mask with ceremonial details

The Mukinka AAA294 mask presented by Versmissen is a 20th-century Salampasu piece from Zaire. It combines wood, copper and raffia in a 21 × 21,5 × 37 cm format. Its domed forehead features encircling cane work topped with a dense headdress made from wicker balls.

The face is defined by a flared nose, pointed teeth and copper strips. These different elements refer to the warrior ceremonies associated with this type of mask. Mukinka masks were also used during funerals and initiations. Some masks inspired such intense fear that merely mentioning them caused women and children to flee. The AAA294 reference thus illustrates the visual characteristics and ceremonial context of the Salampasu tradition.

Details of the Mukinka AAA294 mask

• Salampasu mask with a domed forehead
• Crafted from wood, copper and raffia
• Dense headdress made from wicker balls
• Origin: Zaire, 20th-century piece
• Dimensions: 21 × 21,5 × 37 cm