Masks were used during Munkanda initiation rites for young boys and the Uyanga society, the men’s hunting association that instructed young boys in the hunt and also advanced men through a series of endurance tests. Other men’s asking societies appeared at funerals. Among the Chokwe dances are also the means…
This Pende mask called Mbangu, represents a bewitched man, struck by a series of diseases or curses that wizards have inflicted on him. Height : 30 x 23 cm Materials : Wood, Rafia , Pigment Provenance : Private Collection Estimated age : Mid 20th Century
These masks were worn by members of the powerful “Ibuku” society. The fearless “buku” required initiates to produce the head of an enemy or individually kill a lion or leopard. Masks were also used to evoke ancestor spirits and frighten the enemy in battle. Height : 42 x 25 cm…
This mask was used as part of the cult of the Bwami, Height : 25×15 cm Materials : Wood , Rafia , Pigment Estimated age : Mid 20th Century Provenance : Private Collections