Male face mask "shifola"

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Description

wood, colour pigments, base

The main works of the Lwalwa are their wooden masks. According to M. L. Felix, there are four main types, the male masks “shifola”, “nkaki” and “mvondo” and the female mask “mushika”. They are usually painted with the red sap of the “mukala” fruit and occasionally blackened by smoke or dyes.

They are all used in the “bangongo” dance to quiet the spirits, increase hunting success, and initiate “bangongo” society dancers. They sometimes perform at funerals of high ranking dignitaries.

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Comparing literature

Felix, Marc L., 100 Peoples of Zaire and their Sculpture, Brussels 1987, p. 94 f.

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