Helmet mask "kalunga"

Description

light brown wood, polychrome paint, carved with two pair of eyes with cross-shaped pupils, min. dam., minor missing parts, traces of abrasion, fissures, on metal base;
the mask symbolizes “kalunga”, a Bembe society that functions as mother society and intervenes in tribal disputes; the society also decides tribal positions toward outside interventions. Today this mask is used in various celebrations. It supports a large, complex array of plumes and is worn with a costume that completely covers the dancer.

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