Mask
D. R. Congo, Nyanga
not available anymore
Provenance
Peter Loebarth, Hameln, Germany (2002)Bernhard Jäger, Frankfurt a. M., Germany
Size
H: 23 cm
H: 9.1 inch
Description
wood, brown patina, black paint remains, slightly asymmetrical facial features, min. dam., slight traces of abrasion, base;
these masks are property of the “bwami” society. There are five different types: “lukwakongo”, “kayamba”, “idimu”, “muminia”, and “lukungu”. They serve as important marks of rank, identifying the owners as members of specific “bwami” levels. The “idimu” mask is owned collectively and is kept by an appropriate member of “yananio” or “kindi”. In a major performance , the “idimu” mask is hung on a fence surrounded by the smaller, individually owned “lukwakongo” masks.
Publications
AHDRC: 0142036