Face Mask with Raffia and Holes

Origin: Bembe Tribe, D.R. Congo
Composition: wood, raffia

In Bwami society ceremonies, flat face masks such as this one, which exhibits enlarged, concave orbits and bulging coffee-bean eyes, are worn. Secret societies play an important role in Bembe life. The Bwami society, inspired by the neighboring Lega tribe, exists in a simplified form, but male members are still circumcised and small statuettes and magical objects are handled. The Elanda society exercises social control over the tribe and is accessible to men only through a substantial initial subscription paid to the head of the society. The Alunga male society is in charge of public dances and is responsible for conducting the ceremonies which precede the hunt. Bembe artistic production is limited mostly to masks.

This mask was purchased from SUJARO's central African buying partner, who bought the piece from the tribe in 2005.