Anthropo-zoomorphic face mask "eluba" or "emangungu" · R. D. Congo, Bembe · ID: 3032290
Eduard Hess, Basel, Switzerland
Description
wood, dark brown patina, white and red pigment, of elongated, slightly hollowed form with two pairs of eyes in white oval planes, a tiny mouth, incised triangular patterns, slightly dam., paint rubbed off;
circumcision rites are described by the Bembe as being their most authentic tradition. These rites were also, however, adapted to the “bwami” circumcision, and are under the supervision of high-ranked “bwami” members. A distinction is drawn between two kinds of circumcision rites whereby only the “butende bwa eluba” makes use of a particular mask type: the “emangungu” mask. M. L. Felix suspects that two pairs of eyes refer to the male and female, or to opposing forces of nature. Above the forehead are often two excresences which represent the tufts of an owl. The masks are attached to a costume of banana leaves and bark, or to a small conical hat of bark. They are worn by the initated boys while begging for food in the village during the seclusion period.
Littérature comparée
Herreman, Frank, Petridis, Constantijn (ed.), Face of the Spirits, Tervuren 1993, p. 184 f.