Acwe mask of the Eluba cult - Bembe - Congo - SOLD
The power of African masks of Bembe
As noted by Biebuyck (in Herreman and Petridis, 1993: 183-196), specific contextual information about how masks are used is rare, as the Bembe themselves are influenced by the many traditions of their masks. neighbors. Biebuyck notes the close relationship between the centrally important Bwami society of the neighboring Lega and the Bembe.
Very often elegant and abstract masks with deeply sculpted orbits were used throughout the Bembe region in regional variants of the butende circumcision rites, adapted to the circumcision of the Bwami, under the supervision of high-ranking members of the Bwami (Petridis ibid .: 184).
Authentic traditional masks from Bembe are not common. This one was sold by our art gallery to a collector in Belgium.
Origin : gathered in situDating : 1950-1960Size : 23 x 17 cmMaterial : wood
00355
Data sheet
- Presumed dating
- Mid XXth century
- Size
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood
- Country
- Origin
- Gathered in situ
The power of African masks of Bembe
As noted by Biebuyck (in Herreman and Petridis, 1993: 183-196), specific contextual information about how masks are used is rare, as the Bembe themselves are influenced by the many traditions of their masks. neighbors. Biebuyck notes the close relationship between the centrally important Bwami society of the neighboring Lega and the Bembe.
Very often elegant and abstract masks with deeply sculpted orbits were used throughout the Bembe region in regional variants of the butende circumcision rites, adapted to the circumcision of the Bwami, under the supervision of high-ranking members of the Bwami (Petridis ibid .: 184).
Authentic traditional masks from Bembe are not common. This one was sold by our art gallery to a collector in Belgium.
Origin : gathered in situDating : 1950-1960Size : 23 x 17 cmMaterial : wood