Songola mask
This African Songola mask intended for initiation rites is distinguished by a quite remarkable geometric treatment compared to the classic Lukwakongo masks of the Lega.
A copy of the Lukwakongo mask with the same guidelines is known at the Royal Museum for Central Africa. It is a small mask – RG 62.46.1 collected by Nicolas De Kun – with a horizontal arch crossing the mask from side to side.
From this arch, the bridge of the nose descends to the philtrum to divide into two and produce a triangular mouth. De Kun's mask was collected in the southwest of the territory of Pangi, not far from Lubile.
Masks of this type are linked to the kongabulumbu grade within the initiatory society but are not its emblems. They are actually that of a higher rank than the latter.
Traditional Songola masks can have several uses and meanings depending on the context in which they appear. During the initiations of the masks are attached to different parts of the body or on barriers; they are also exhibited, dragged on the ground or worn on the forehead.
The initiate uses these objects to instill in young people the moral and social codes necessary for community life through well-defined aphorisms and characters, like a puppeteer.
02048
Data sheet
- Presumed dating
- Mid XXth century
- Size
- 30 cm
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood, raphia
- Country
- Origin
- D. R. Congo private collection
- Condition
- Excellent
You might also like
This African Songola mask intended for initiation rites is distinguished by a quite remarkable geometric treatment compared to the classic Lukwakongo masks of the Lega.
A copy of the Lukwakongo mask with the same guidelines is known at the Royal Museum for Central Africa. It is a small mask – RG 62.46.1 collected by Nicolas De Kun – with a horizontal arch crossing the mask from side to side.
From this arch, the bridge of the nose descends to the philtrum to divide into two and produce a triangular mouth. De Kun's mask was collected in the southwest of the territory of Pangi, not far from Lubile.
Masks of this type are linked to the kongabulumbu grade within the initiatory society but are not its emblems. They are actually that of a higher rank than the latter.
Traditional Songola masks can have several uses and meanings depending on the context in which they appear. During the initiations of the masks are attached to different parts of the body or on barriers; they are also exhibited, dragged on the ground or worn on the forehead.
The initiate uses these objects to instill in young people the moral and social codes necessary for community life through well-defined aphorisms and characters, like a puppeteer.