"According to the classification of Dr. Julien Volper, this masterpiece of Luba art belongs to the category of "beast-men" of which fewer than ten examples have been recovered. Several theories clash over their enigmatic function.

Certain masks with painted faces could have played a role in men's initiatory rituals. Indeed, the Luba-Samba held mukanda initiation ceremonies involving various protagonists. One of them, the kimungu, with red-and-white rings around the eyes, could sometimes wear a mask.

- Van Malderen & Tastevin: A mask evoking a protective genie related to the mbudye. Sometimes referred to as Kalilu Kanongo, worn by the kikungulu, the great master of a mbudye lodge. The kikungulu would wear his mask during initiation of new members or when existing members were promoted. Seated on an animal skin, he would hold a statuette in his hand dedicated to another spirit named Kalulu. He would then have applicants inhale a medicinal powder that would make them faint, thus dying a symbolic death." - Bernard Dulon - The Mystery of the Beast-Man Mask

Provenance: ex. Neumeister 17/5/2014, ex Galerie Kongo Arts (French Riviera), private Belgian coll.

Shipping: Bpost w/ insurance