Bembe Alunga Secret Association Mask, Democratic Republic of Congo #52

Bembe Alunga Secret Association Mask, Democratic Republic of Congo #52 "Ecwabuka ya Alunga" (the Head of Alunga) or "Echwaboka" Mask (PP Gossiaux) This Ibulu lya 'Alunga (Head of the Alunga) Mask was used during the tribal ritual of the Male Society Alunga, exercising social control over the Clan, and responsible for the public dances and ceremonies preceding the Hunt. Evocation of a Forest Spirit, this Mask was kept in Sacred Areas, and it was during Festivals associated with the Hunt and Ancestor Cults that it was displayed. They also appeared during the Bwame Circumcision Ceremonies. The Bembe Ethnic Group is a Luba branch that is said to have migrated from The Congo in the 18th century. Their society and artistic tendencies are marked by the influence of their neighbors from the Lake Tanganyika Region, the Lega, the Buyu, etc. Indeed, like the Lega, the Bembe both had a Bwami Association, responsible for the initiation and structuring the Society but while the Bwami was exclusive