Kumu mask, DRC ex Zaire - Lot 176

Kumu mask, DRC ex Zaire Among early art masks, this African mask namedNsembu was produced in male-female pairs, and was used by the Nkunda society of diviners among the clans living in the northern Uituri region. Very large ears animate this mask, on which colored pastilles have been applied with the finger. Matt patina 29 x 21 cm Sold without base The Kumu , Bakumu, Komo people live mainly in the northeast and center of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Their Bantu language is Komo or Kikomo. Several ethnic groups are closely intertwined, with similar associations: the Mbole, Yela, Lengola and Metoko. Their artistic production is also very similar to that of the Metoko and Lengola. Their divination masks were exhibited at the closing ceremonies of the initiation and circumcision of young people in Nkunda society. Indeed, it was in the Maniema region around the Lualaba River and the Great Lakes that Lega sculpture exerted its greatest influence. A costume made of bark textiles and plant fibers concealed the wearer. Biebuck is said to have noted a great similarity between the rituals accompanying the appearance of Kumu masks and those of Lega muminia masks.