Skull mask

This skull mask depicts the face of a deceased person. It was used by the members of the Iniet fellowship, a men’s association. The skull masks were preserved in the sanctuary of the group. They primarily concerned the skulls of influential old men, who were the keepers of secrets and experts in magic. Some of them were deified and obtained the status of ‘highest spirit’ or ‘immortal creature’. It seems that not all of the preserved skulls of these old men were made into asks. The periodical display of the skulls and masks to the people protected them against diseases, protected the children, the crops and protected the community against its enemies. Some of the masks were clenched between the teeth through the use of a horizontal piece of wood on the back of the skull; others were fixed to a type of handle and held in front of the face. The men’s associations were responsible for initiations and regulated the social life of the community. They kept the secrets of the community and periodically revitalized the life cycle. The Iniet skull masks were old-fashioned by the end of the 19th century, and became the remains of a largely vanished cult.

circa 22 x 14 x 8cm (8 11/16 x 5 1/2 x 3 1/8in.)

Source: collectie.tropenmuseum.nl