Zemanek-Münster

Mask "lukungu"

D. R. Congo, Bembe
sold EUR 1,200
Provenance
Friedrich Kühlhorn, Bavaria, Germany (1936)
Size
H: 16,5 cm
H: 6.5 inch

Description

ivory, honey brown patina, of elongated oval form, bean-shaped raised eyes reminding of Bembe style, rectangular scarification marks on the cheeks, two drillings for fixation, min. dam., minor missing parts, slight traces of abrasion;
“lukungu” masks belong to members of “bwami”- society who already have reached the highest rank of kindi. The “bwami” society was adopted by some neighbouring ethnic groups of the Lega. “Lukungu” means “skull” and should be a hint that the mask is thought to remind of deceased “kindi” members.


Subscribe to our newsletter

Join over 10,000 tribal art collectors. Don't miss out on upcoming news and auctions.

Subscribe today