Mwana Ngulu Mask
Item
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Accession Number
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2023.3.
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Title
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Mwana Ngulu Mask
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Ethnic Group
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Chokwe
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Subject
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Mask|Ceremonial|Central Africa
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Country
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Democratic Republic of the Congo
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Date
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Early 20th Century
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Medium
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Wood, metal, kaolin, textiles on back
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Format
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H x W x D: 23 in x 16 1/4 in x 6 3/4 in (58.42 cm x 41.275 cm x 17.145 cm)
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Description
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The mask is known as Mwana Ngulu, representing a domesticated pig. There is a coin on top of the head with an inscription, potentially regarding familial connection. The back of the head is full of fabric strands that are covered in other materials that remain from ceremonies. The Mwana Ngulu mask is used in coming of age rituals, or the passage into adulthood in the Chokwe society. The masker aims to portray a domesticated pig through dance; some Mwana Ngulu masks are created to have voice modifying qualities that allow the masker to sound like the animal.
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Type
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face Mask
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Conforms To
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Chokwe
