Mask ·  R. D. Congo, Biombo · ID: 3035825

Description

wood, dark brown patina, kaolin, closed eyes, two drilled holes in the cheek area (see holes), forehead horn, pierced around the rim, min. dam., slight traces of abrasion, base;
most Biombo masks are used in context of initiation rites. There are three different types: “munjinga” the messenger, who is the first to perform, the female masks “tshimoana” and “muluala” and a mask with chameleon eyes used at funerals of important people.

Littérature comparée

Felix, Marc L., 100 Peoples of Zaire and their Sculpture, Brussels 1987, p. 15, ill. 8