Mask "nsembu" · D. R. Congo, Kumu · ID: 3035676
Eduard Hess, Oberwil, Switzerland
Description
wood, matt patina, polychrome paint, characterized by large rectangular eyes and an open mouth with visible teeth, min. dam., small missing parts through insect caused damage, cracks, slight traces of abrasion;
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 3035676 was last part of the auction 75th tribal art auction at November 30, 2013 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house and had the lot number 131.
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Expertise
Alain de Monbrison, Paris, Februar 1990
Comparing literature
Felix, Marc L., 100 Peoples of Zaire and their Sculpture, Brussels 1987, p. 65, ill. 1