African Arts Gallery

Sharing with the sophisticated Moshambwooy mask of the Kuba the same voluminous canvas trim on which were attached cauris and thousands of beads, this mask offers a flat wooden face with a half-closed look whose palpebral slits have been hollowed out. This type of mask was used at annual foundation ceremonies. The white color refers to mourning, while blue is associated with royalty.
The Lel, neighbours of the Tschokwe and Pende, live to the west of the Kuba kingdom and share common cultural characteristics with the Bushoongs of the Kuba country. Both groups adorn their prestige objects with similar motifs. Their company, led by a king u-0022 nymi ", comprises three classes, that of the Tundu or warlords, the Batshwa (", those who reject the Tundu" authority) and the Wongo named after the neighbouring ethnic group. Ritual ceremonies are under the authority of the older, chiefs of each village who hold the secrets of medicinal plants. These elders once formed, together with the parents of twins, spiritual intermediaries, the brotherhood bangang responsible for the initation of young people. The sculptor is responsible for extracting palm wine, he also maims raffia. It produces the ritual cups in which palm wine is consumed to conclude an agreement. Source: "Kuba", ed. 5continents, Binkley and Darish, "African art", Mazenod.