Face mask "eluba" or "emangungu" ·  D. R. Congo, Bembe · ID: 3052607

Description

wood, pigments, rest.

Present mask type is used at circumcision rites by the “butende bwa eluba” society. The eyes should remind on an owl, which is said to have close connections to the spirits of nature.

“Eluba" is worn by initiated boys when, during the period of seclusion, they roam through the village to beg for food.

The object Face mask “eluba” or “emangungu” with the object ID 3052607 was part of the auction Auction 105 on November 15, 2025, lot number 341 at that time and is currently available for EUR 2,500 in Open sale.

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Comparing literature

Herreman, Frank & Constantijn Petridis (ed.), Face of the Spirits, Tervuren 1993, p. 184 f.