The emangungu mask was used in the initiation rites of young men among the Bembe. An initiate wore this mask when he ventured out, heavily disguised, to solicit offerings of food in nearby villages during his year-long period of seclusion in the bush. On the mask, the presence of two pairs of eyes, enhanced with the application of white clay (kaolin), suggests an ability to see into the spiritual realm.
Emangungu, 19th century R.D. Congo (Zaire) Wood and paint; H. 15 in. The emangungu mask was used in the initiation rites of young men among the Bembe. An initiate wore this mask when he ventured out, heavily disguised, to solicit offerings of food in nearby villages during his year-long period of seclusion in the bush. On the mask, the presence of two pairs of eyes, enhanced with the application of white clay (kaolin), suggests an ability to see into the spiritual realm.