Initiation mask – Wood – Bembe – DR Congo

Description

Beautiful BEMBE owl zoomorphic circumcision mask
Called ” Eluba va butende na cwecwe” or “Emangungu” these masks were worn during the initiation rites of young people.

“ The animal that dominates the heights of the forest, the master of death, is the owl ( cwecwe : generic term). His mask will protect, in particular, the circumcised batende from the poisonous gaze of sorcerers ” (PP Gossiaux, p age 19 )

The Bembe are established in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, north of Lake Tanganyika. (Not to be confused with the Beembe who are sometimes also spelled Bembe and who are a people of the Kongo group)

They consider themselves as the descendants of the Lega to whom they are culturally close. Thus, the Bwamè of the Bembe has many points in common with the Bwami of the Lega.

Provenance: former private collection from Germany.

Object:

Mask

Ethnic group:

Bembe

Country:

DR Congo

Material:

Wood

Period:

Mid 20th century

Sold with stand:

No

Dimensions:

47x26x17 cm

Weight:

1500 gram

Condition:

Good condition, used with some signs of wear

Reserve: $200.00

Shipping:

Domestic: Flat-rate of $59.00 to anywhere within the contiguous U.S.

International: Foreign shipping rates are determined by destination. International shipping may be subject to VAT.

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Location: This item ships from Netherlands

Your purchase is protected:
In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Chairish Auctions specialists are here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Chairish Auctions within 5 days of receiving the item.

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Initiation mask – Wood – Bembe – DR Congo

Lot 0309

Estimate $250-$300May 20, 2026, 12:00 PM EDT

Starting Price

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$160

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