For English, please have a look below.
CONGO DRC
Rare KALUNGA statue - KISUMBI
BEMBE
Janiform and two-tone sculpture
This one, large in size (31cm) has the particularity of being on a stool and can therefore also be described as a Kisumbi (symbol of stability), rare pieces among the Lega and the Bembe, reserved for the highest grades of Bwamè (safiannikoff)
The Kalunga janiform sculptures are said to represent Alunga, a descendant of the tribe's founding ancestor, who wore the large helmet mask well known under the same name..... A name also borne by their initiation society (Biebuyck)
The Bembe are established in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, north of Lake Tanganyika. (Not to be confused with the Beembe who are sometimes also spelled Bembe and who are a people of the Kongo group)
They consider themselves descendants of the Lega, to whom they are culturally close. Thus, the Bwamè of the Bembe has many points in common with the Bwami of the Lega.
Features.
ITEM TYPE: Charm, amulet
ETHNICITY: Bembe or Pre-Bembe
ORIGIN: Democratic Republic of Congo.
(Ex Belgian Congo, ex Zaire).
MATERIAL: Wood.
DIMENSIONS: Height 31 cm
CONDITION: Average
(See photos).
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Bibliography - Bibliography
- The Bwame of the Leopard of Babembe (Kivu-Congo), Pol-Pierre Gossiaux, ULG 2000-2006
- The Warega and the Wabembe. An extraordinary social culture and an astonishing civilization without writing in Central Africa, Alexandre Safiannikoff, 2022, Paul Safiannikoff
- Statuary from pre-Bembe hunters, Daniel P. Biebuyck, 1981, Royal Museum of Central Africa, Tervuren
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Rare KALUNGA - KISUMBI BEMBE Figure
Janiform and two-tone sculpture
This one, of large size (31cm) has the particularity of being on a stool and can therefore also be described as a Kisumbi (symbol of stability), rare pieces among the Lega and the Bembe, reserved for the highest grades of the Bwamè (safiannikoff)
The Janiform Kalunga sculptures represent Alunga, a descendant of the founding ancestor of the tribe, wearer of the large helmet mask well known under the same name..... Name also borne by their initiation society (Biebuyck)
They see themselves as the descendants of the Lega of which they are culturally closed. The Bwamé of the Bembe has much in common with the Bwami of the Lega
At the same time, they have other secret associations such as Elunda and Alunga, whose mask helmets are well known by Congo art lovers.
TYPE OF OBJECT: Amulet, charm
ETHNICAL GROUP: Bembe or Pre-Bembe
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Democratic Republic Congo
(ex Zaire, ex Belgian Congo).
MATERIAL: Wood.
DIMENSIONS: About 12 1/4 inches high (31 cm)
CONDITION: Medium
Please have a look on pictures.
