Bemba (Awemba, Ayemba, Babemba, Bembe, Wabemba, Wemba), Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zambia

Eloba ya circumcision mask.  The Bembe form a small group of 60 to 70,000 people. They are one of the rare eastern tribes living in the area around the northern shore of Lake Tanganyika, in the northeast of Zambia and in DRC. The territory surrounding them is covered with forests, plateaus, and wooded savannas traversed with rivers. It is traditionally restless area characterized by the migration of peoples. Warriors and hunters, they practice slash-and-burn agriculture; a social, ritual, and economic value is connected to the hunt. The Bemba are culturally eclectic, accepting influences from many directions in an area with complex historical relationships. This highly stylized mask represents the face of a spirit of nature with typical enlarged orbits of eyes. Such masks were used in circumcision camps for puberty rites, or butende. It was worn with voluminous costumes made of banana leaves.

Material:  wood

Size:  H. 16”, W. 8½”, D. 5”

Price:  $195+$31 (S&H)                                             [#E6B9M959]