ITURI MASK

Ndaaka or neighboring cultures
Ituri Rainforest region, Eastern D. R. of the Congo
20th century
Carved wood and pigments
Height: 22 cm
Provenance:
Private collection, Milano, Italy

These wooden masks were worn by young boys during initiation rituals. They embody ancestral or spirit figures in human, animal or hybrid form. They serve as instructors and guardians to the initiates. The various symbols painted on the surface are notably said to represent stars, rain, plant seeds or animal prints.

Object Presented by:
Julien Flak
T.: + 33 6 84 52 81 36