Mask – Wood – Kumu – DR Congo

Powerful Kumu mask from the Ituri rainforest of D.R. Congo. Kumu masks are among the most important objects in their culture. They are used by the Nkunda society of sorcerers who call upon the primordial ancestors for purposes of social control. Taking hallucinogens was part of these ceremonies and during the ensuing trance information was revealed. This served the Kumu as one of the major methods of divination. The mask has a clearly powerful appearance. Good condition with beautiful aged patina with traces of wear and tear. Provenance: former private German collection.

Object:	Mask
Ethnic group:	Kumu
Country:	DR Congo
Material:	Wood
Period:	Mid 20th century
Sold with stand:	No
Dimensions:	45x25x7 cm
Weight:	800 gram
Condition:	Good condition, used with some signs of wear