Mask "lukungu"
D. R. Congo, Lega
not available anymore
Provenance
Swedish Collection (since 1935)Bertil Berg, Gothenburg, Sweden
Size
H: 11,5 cm
H: 4.5 inch
Description
ivory, reddish brown patina, concave vaulted face with elongated nose bridge and pointed chin, decorated with circle ornaments with central dot, four drilled holes for attachment, slightly dam., minor missing parts along rim;
“lukungu” is the final category of all initiation objects that marks the rank of “lutumbo lwa kindi”. “Lukungu” is only brought out during “kindi” initiations. At death it is placed on the grave, after which it is inherited by a nephew who has the right to own it. When “lukungu” masks are brought out, they are oiled and then displayed on a fence or in front of their seated owners. The ivory “lukungu” masks call to mind death and the skulls of war victims.