Mask · D. R. Congo, Lualwa/Lwalwa · ID: 3032691
not available anymore
Size
H: 35 cm
H: 13.8 inch
Description
wood, spotty brown patina, white pigment remains, convex facial plane, eyes and chin accentuated by white pigment, pierced around the rim, rep., traces of insect caused damage, minor missing parts, slight traces of abrasion;
masks of the Lualwa 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. They are danced only at night, so as not to harm women.
Comparing literature
Felix, Marc L., 100 Peoples of Zaire and their Sculpture, Brüssel 1987, p. 94