Mask "nsembu" · D. R. Congo, Kumu · ID: 3034724
Description
wood, brown patina, remains of polychrome paint, pierced around the rim, min. dam., small missing parts, slight traces of abrasion, metal socle;
masks of the Kumu are called “nsembu” or “ibole. They appear in paired dances that contrast male and female roles during initiation into the “nkunda” divination society.
The object Mask “nsembu” with the object ID 3034724 was last part of the auction 73rd tribal art auction at May 25, 2013 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house and had the lot number 379.
You can find more Masks and other popular object types on our related topic pages. You may also be interested in our page on African art.
Comparing literature
Felix, Marc L., Maniema, München 1989, p. 233