Teke Mask – Odai

Description

The African Teke mask originates from the upper Ogowe region in Democratic Republic of Congo and Gabon. Members of the Kidumu society wear Teke masks either during the funerals of chiefs, or weddings, or important meetings. The name of the Teke people originates from the occupation of the tribal Teke people-that is, trading-from Teke, meaning, “to buy. The Kidumu tribes who make this Teke mask have very strong spiritual values and the family was the most important social unit of the tribe. Under the head of the family man, he has the right to life and death over all the family members and hence the tendency for him to own many slaves and controls the lives of others as he increases his power and reputation. In terms of spiritual life of the Teke, the village chief was chosen as religious leader, he was the most important tribal member and he would keep all the potions and spiritual bones that would be used in traditional ceremonies to speak to the spirits and rule safety over his people.