African Arts Gallery

Bembe mask (N° 23175)

Atypical specimen of the African mask of the Bembe, used during the tribal ritual of the male society Kalunga, Alunga, appearing during the ceremonies of initiation and circumcision. Slightly convex and elongated, it offers low relief, the front being mainly accentuated thanks to the grooves imprinted with red ocher. The almond-shaped eyes are also extended by colored triangular patterns, while a thin pigmented highlight highlights the narrow mouth. Height on base: 68 cm.
The Bembe ethnic group is a Luba branch that left the Congo in the 18th century. Their society and artistic tendency are marked by the influence of their neighbors in the Lake Tanganyika region, the Lega, the Buyu, etc. Indeed, like the Lega, the Bembe had a bwami association responsible for initiation and structuring society, but whereas the bwami was exclusive to the Lega, other associations coexisted among the Bembe.