Máscara (1) - Madeira - Kumu - República Democrática do Congo

KUMU mask.
Apart from a number of different figures used in prophecy and ancestor figures, their most important ritual objects are masks, called "nsembu" or "ibole", which appear in paired dances that contrast male and female roles during initiation into the "nkunda" divination society. These masks are of abstract shape with big eyes and rectangular mouth and often show geometric patterns in white, black and red.

The Kumu or Komo people inhabit the Ituri rainforests in the eastern part of Congo. They are agriculturalists with animist traditions.

A culturally important ritual for the Kumu people is the circumcision of boys as they enter adulthood. The nsembu mask is used exclusively by members of the Nkunda Secret Society for the purposes of adult initiation. They also use the mask for divination under the effects of hallucinogens. The mask itself represents the diviner’s spirit. Kumu masks are somewhat rare, but the known examples tend to have wide open eyes and mouths, frequently with sharp teeth.

Provenance: Ex-private collection, Barcelona