Helmet mask "kalunga" · D. R. Congo, Bembe · ID: 3033135
Harald und Ursula Suhr, Victoria, Britisch Columbia, Canada / Germany (1985)
Description
light brown wood, polychrome paint, carved with two pair of eyes with cross-shaped pupils, min. dam., minor missing parts, traces of abrasion, fissures, on metal base;
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 3033135 was last part of the auction 70th tribal art auction at September 8, 2012 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house. The object with the lot number 163 achieved a sales price of EUR 2,500.
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Comparing literature
Cornet, Joseph, A survey of Zairan Art, The Bronson Collection, Raleigh 1978, p. 350 f.