Kakuungu Mask
Kakuungu, wood, raffia fibers, pigments, 93 cm. Private Collection (Photo provided by Spirits Speak)
The Kakuungu mask of the Suku people of Democratic of Congo is a mask that looks similar to an actual human face, unlike many other masks that you have seen here. [1] This mask is considered to be a very old mask in the Suku culture. [1] Carved out of wood, this full faced mask is one of the most venerable masks of the Suku people. [1] Some characteristics of this mask are the large round protruding forehead, cheeks and chin along with the sunken in eyes and the raffia beard. [1] This style is common among the masks of these people as they are also part of the other mask within their community and culture. [1]
The Kakuungu is a mask seen in their society to be a mask of power that can either be giving or harsh. [1] These are only used and performed at young boys initiation ceremonies. [1] During these ceremonies the mask makes three appearances at the seclusion period, the circumcision of these boys and when they finally leave the initiation camp.[1] The mask spirit’s main goal is to protect these young initiates from dangerous influences and to be with them in a time of crisis but also to make them obedient and to respect their elders. [1]
1. Peter Stepan, Spirits Speak a Celebration of African Masks, (Munich, Berlin, London, New York: Prestel, 2005), 164-166.