Helmet mask, Kuba/Kete; D.R.C. Congo
Wood, pigment, raffia fiber; H. 18"
Masks such as these are known as Mulwalwa
and are produced by the southern Bushoong and Northern
Kete peoples to represent a male Ngesh or
nature spirit associated with initiation of young
men to manhood. Characterized by the flaring nose
and large chameleon-like eyes, the Mulwalwa
mask was once decorated with eagle and parrot feathers
and also presents a balanced palm wine pot either
inverted or upright above the head. As palm wine
drinking is associated with elders of the initiation
camp, the pot suggests that the masker is inebriated
and therefore unpredictably dangerous. The masker
performs wearing monkey skins and is restrained
by a rope tied about his waist. Mulwalwa
masks without eye-hole perforations, and therefore
not intended to be worn, decorate one or more of
the initiation wall pinnacles that separate the
initiation camp from the village. The original surface
of this mask was likely painted red, and traces
of that color can be found about the forehead line.
The projecting eyes add a bold and unexpected form
to the mask, recalling its aggressive character.
The remains of the intricate polychrome designs
balance and accentuate the overall form.
