A very rare old wooden mask from the Lwalwa peoples, Congo / DRC, Africa. Carved wood with sharp angular features, and the wood is dyed with the red sap of the Mukala fruit.The Lwalwa live in southern areas of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, on the frontier of Angola. They are related to the Ketu and Lundua, and formed relationships with the Salampasu and Mbagani, but kept their independence. Lwalwa people live in small villages headed by a male or female chief, whose power is checked by that of the men's Bangongo Society, which also initiates the young, especially males, into their adult roles. Although the Lwalwa believe in a Supreme Creator, their religious practice tends to focus on nature spirits, some of which can be troublesome, and upon ancestor worship. Through offerings and prayers at dedicated shrines, dances and entertainments, Lwalwa religion seeks to maintain balance and order between the living, the ancestors and spirits.A sculptor (always male) is highly prized and well-paid for his work; he may even become a village leader. Lwalwa art consists almost entirely of masks, which appear at boy's initiations, funerals and festivals held after hunts. Today, Lwalwa masks are used primarily for entertainments. According to literature, They are all used in the bangongo dance to quiet the spirits, increase hunting success, and initiate bangongo society dancers. They sometimes perform at funerals of high ranking dignitaries. They are danced only at night, so as not to harm women. ** A metal display stand can be included for an additional $35.00. The mask itself measures 11.5 inches tall x 8.5 inches wide.

Fair, well worn