African
Masks
Lwalwa
Mask
The
Lwalwa mask above is an ‘mvondo’
mask which is worn by men.
Lwalwa
masks are stylised using simple geometric forms to represent
the features of the face.
The
eyes of the mask are rectangular holes and the nose is
a long flat triangle that often stretches to the top of
the head. The ears are reduced to small bumps and a stylised
mouth projects from above a pointed chin.
Lwalwa
masks are carved from a wood called ‘mulela’
and coloured with a dye from the fruit of the ‘mukula’
tree, also called the ‘bloodwood’
or ‘sealing wax’ tree.
Lwalwa
sculptors are privileged members of the tribe and are
highly paid for their craft. Their skills are often passed
down from father to son.
The
Lwalwa are famous for their dancing and masks play an
important part in their celebrations, particularly the
secret rituals of the ‘bangongo’
society who were responsible for the initiation of young
men into adulthood.
The
Lwalwa people are related to the Lulua
and like them, the men are hunters and the women are farmers.
They live in the southwest area of the Democratic Republic
of the Congo stretching into Angola.
Mouse
over the map for a more detailed view of Lwalwa territory.
Lwalwa
Mask Drawing
You
can click on the sketch above to view a simplified A4
line drawing
which you may use to help you draw or trace this mask
design. |
