All the images (photographic and non-photographic) made available in this collection are the property of the Basel Mission and are managed by mission 21. mission 21 / Basel Mission claim copyright on the images in their possession and require those publishing any of the images--both individuals and organisations--to pay a user's/copyright fee. Contact the Archives of mission21 at address mentioned or at info@bmpix.org. info@bmarchives.org mission21 mission21, Missionsstrasse 21, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland, tel. (+41 61 260 22 42), fax (+4161 260 22 68)
Description
Annotation translation: "The members of this secret society serve a demon, a spiritual power, which is called, literally "God's medecine" or "God's magic". From time to time this society dances in public and these masked figures symbolise this mysterious power. Under the mask is no mere mortal. As he wears this mask this person hears, as prophet, or as medium, the voice of God. He sees things in, and knows things about, past and future, which a normal mortal cannot know. No-one can understand his language apart from the person with the gift of translation. People who are ill or suffering in other ways pay him approx. SFr.3.- to [literally translated from the German] 'tell their fortunes'. He has the power to purge the village of magic and witchcraft.His clothing, posture and movements copy the 'war-bird', 'kundungu', whose mighty voice can be heard every day calling from far away in the jungle." - "Printed in HB [Heidenbote] 1939/5 and 1940/12." Annotation: "Die Mitglieder dieses Geheimbundes dienen einem Dämon, einem geistigen Kraftwesen, das wörtlich 'Gottesmedizin' oder 'Gotteszauber' heisst. Von Zeit zu Zeit führt der Geheimbund Tänze auf, bei denen diese maskierte Gestalt das geheimnisvolle Kraftwesen darstellt. Unter der Maske ist er nun kein 'gewöhnlicher Sterblicher' mehr, er hört als Prophet, als Medium, die Stimme Gottes, sieht & weiss Dinge aus Vergangenheit & Zukunft, die ein gewöhnlicher Sterblicher' nicht wissen kann. Seine Sprache versteht niemand als nur der berufene Übersetzer. Kranke & sonst Notleidende lassen sich von ihm für etwa Fr. 3.- wahrsagen. Er hat die Kraft, das Dorf von böser Zauberei & Hexerei zu reinigen. In seiner Kleidung, Haltung & Bewegung ahmt er den 'Kriegsvogel' 'Kundungu' nach, dessen gewaltige Stimme man täglich weit aus dem Urwald hört." - "Cl.[iché] HB [Heidenbote] 1939(5), 1940(12)." Note: " ... a. d. Grenze Grasland u. Waldland." (E-30-0,4). Note translation: " ... on the border between grassland and forest." (E-30-0,4). - Banyang. (PV 03.2002). Stamped: "Museum der Basler Mission, Basel, Missionsstrasse 21."
Type
image
Format
b/w positive, paper print, gelatin-silver 11.0 x 8.1 cm.
Obashinjom (secret society) Adornment Bird, representation of Ceremonial scene Costume Dancer m Diviner m Festival Mask Ritual object Secret society Secret society member m Zoomorphic representation
If you're wondering about permissions and what you can do with this item, a good starting point is the "rights information" on this page. See our terms of use for more tips.
Share your story
Has Calisphere helped you advance your research, complete a project, or find something meaningful? We'd love to hear about it; please send us a message.
