Helmet mask "kalunga" · D. R. Congo, Bembe · ID: 3032257
Eduard Hess, Basel, Switzerland
Description
light brown wood, black and white paint, carved with two pair of eyes with cross-shaped pupils, pierced around the rim, surface with traces of insect caused damage, missing parts;
the mask symbolizes “kalunga”, a Bembe society that functions as mother society and intervenes in tribal disputes; the society also decides tribal positions toward outside interventions. Today this mask is used in various celebrations. It supports a large, complex array of plumes and is worn with a costume that completely covers the dancer.
The object Helmet mask “kalunga” with the object ID 3032257 was part of the auction 68th tribal art auction on March 3, 2012. The object with the lot number 204 achieved a sales price of EUR 4,000 with an asking price of EUR 3,500.
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Comparing literature
Cornet, Joseph, A survey of Zairan Art, The Bronson Collection, Raleigh 1978, p. 350 f.