The masks nsembu, embodying the spirit of divination, appear as a couple during the rituals of the society nkunda , babankunda. This shallow model features minimalist features under a slightly protruding forehead. The quadrangular mouth reveals wooden teeth. Beautiful patina encrusted with kaolin residue. Desication cracks. High on a base: 62 cm. The Kumu, Bakumu and Komo, live mainly in the North-East and central Areas of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Their Bantu language is komo or kikomo. Several ethnic groups are closely intertwined, with similar associations: the Mbole, the Yela, the Lengola, and the Metoko. Their artistic production also has great similarities with that of the Metoko and Lengola. Their divination masks were displayed during the closing ceremonies of the initiation and circumcision of the young people of the society nkunda . It was in the Maniema region around the Lualaba River and the Great Lakes that Lega sculpture exerted its influence extensively. A costume made up of bark textiles and plant fibres concealed the wearer. Biebuck would have noticed a great similarity between the rituals accompanying the appearance of Kumu masks and those of muminia masks of the Lega.
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