African Arts Gallery

This type of African mask, available in different versions, was used during the tribal ritual of the Elanda male society. Embodying the spiritual entity Alunga, this sculpture offers large concave orbits and a gaping mouth. Evoking a forest spirit, this mask was kept in sacred caves. These masks appeared in various aspects during the circumcision and initiation ceremonies of the Bwami.
Semi-satin patina, colored highlights.
Minor chips and abrasions.
The Bembe ethnic group is a Luba branch which is said to have 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 for society but although the bwami was exclusive among the Lega, other associations coexisted among the Bembe.