A very rare old wooden mask from the Lwalwa peoples, Congo / DRC, Africa. Carved wood with sharp angular features, and the wood is dyed with the red sap of the Mukala fruit.The mask itself measures 11.5 inches tall x 8.5 inches wide. a display stand can be included if desired.The Lwalwa live in southern areas of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, on the frontier of Angola. They are related to the Ketu and Lundua, and formed relationships with the Salampasu and Mbagani, but kept their independence. Lwalwa people live in small villages headed by a male or female chief, whose power is checked by that of the men's Bangongo Society, which also initiates the young, especially males, into their adult roles. Lwalwa masks are used primarily for entertainments as well as ritual ceremonies. According to literature, They are all used in the bangongo dance to quiet the spirits, increase hunting success, and initiate bangongo society dancers. They sometimes perform at funerals of high ranking dignitaries. They are danced only at night, so as not to harm women.The mask itself measures 11.5 inches tall x 8.5 inches wide. a display stand can be included if desired.

fair, well handled and worn.