Mask "nsembu" ·  D. R. Congo, Kumu · ID: 3031444

Description

wood, reddish brown patina, green paint, reduced form, old collection number in white paint backside: “FX96372”, small traces of insect caused damage, fissure backside, on metal base;
the Kumu live in the northeastern Zaire, south of the Ituri rainforest. The most important objects are their masks called “nsembu”, which are used by the “nkunda” society of sorcerers and sooth sayers. Male and female pairs appear separate or on panels together. They are used by the “nkunda” society of sorcerers who call upon the primordial ancestors for purposes of social control.

Comparing literature

Felix, Marc L., 100 Peoples of Zaire and their Sculpture, Brüssel 1987, p. 65

Exhibition

Congo Gallery, J. Fiess et Marc Felix, "La face cachée des masques", 27 janvier - 25 mars 2006, Bruxelles, Belgium