Mask "lukungu" ·  D. R. Congo, Bembe · ID: 3032425

Description

ivory, honey brown patina, of elongated oval form, bean-shaped raised eyes reminding of Bembe style, rectangular scarification marks on the cheeks, two drillings for fixation, min. dam., minor missing parts, slight traces of abrasion;
“lukungu” masks belong to members of “bwami”- society who already have reached the highest rank of kindi. The “bwami” society was adopted by some neighbouring ethnic groups of the Lega. “Lukungu” means “skull” and should be a hint that the mask is thought to remind of deceased “kindi” members.