Kipoko O Giphogo mask

Although the appearance of this mask is that of a face mask it is actually a helmet mask like all Kipoko masks. With its fabric cover it behaves like a helmet mask. It is a mask of ancestor that embodies a chief, from the eastern region of Kassaï and forms part of the personal treasure of the chiefs. Used in Mukanda, rites intended for initiation and circumcision of adolescents. Young people aspiring to enter the secret society should grab the mask by the ears and eat the pieces of food placed on their nose. It is also used as a protective mask of the community and to conjure bad spells.