Face mask
D. R. Congo, Eastern Bembe / Goma
not available anymore
Provenance
Pierre Loos, Brussels, BelgiumSize
H: 31 cm
H: 12.2 inch
Description
wood, white and red pigment, shellac,
According to F. Cloth: “The ethnic name seems to be “eluba ya butende - cwecwe”… and “cwecwe” meaning “hibou” (owl)”.
The mask was probably used during initiation rituals of the “eluba ya butende” - secret society and is associated with nature spirits.
According to other sources, it is called “eluba” or “emangungu”.