LULUWA TYPES OF ART Luluwa are known for their sculpted statues marked by intricate scarification patterns and their finely carved utilitarian objects, including hemp pipes. They also carve several mask types used in initiation. HISTORY The Luluwa are closely related to the Luba Kasai and migrated along with them in the 18th century following an …
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Tag:Art
Lunda
LUNDA TYPES OF ART Although it is impossible to isolate specific examples of Lunda art, their political activity in the region and their patronage of artists living in neighboring ethnic groups influenced the artistic styles found throughout the region. It is believed that all objects historically linked to the Lunda were originally carved by neighbors, …
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Lwalwa
LWALWA TYPES OF ART Some small figures are carved for divination and display on shrines, but the majority of Lwalwa art in collections consists of beautifully sculpted masks, characteristically elongated, with prominent noses, rectangular eyes, and a small hole between the mouth and nose, through which a cord is passed in order to secure the …
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Manja
MANJA TYPES OF ART There is not an abundance of Manja art in museum collections, and those objects that exist are believed to represent the ancestors. Their style is very similar to the Ngbaka and Ngbandi, although Manja figures usually do not have the thick scarification patterns that typify their neighbors. HISTORY Although little is …
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Mbole
MBOLE TYPES OF ART Most Mbole figurative sculpture represents individuals who have been hanged for violating the laws of society. Wooden statues characteristically have sunken faces and concave torsos, many with ropes attached to the necks. There are also other figures related to healing or representing the ancestors. Some masks are made, but these are …
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Ngbaka
NGBAKA TYPES OF ART The most common forms of sculpture center around representations of Seto and Nabo. Often they are portrayed with a heavy ridge of scars which bisect the forehead vertically. The Ngbaka also carve several types of masks and numerous utilitarian objects. HISTORY The Ngbaka arrived on the Gemena Plateau in 1920. They …
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Nkanu
NKANU TYPES OF ART Nkanu art styles are very similar to their Yaka and Lula neighbors. They carve wooden masks that are used for ceremonial purposes and anthropomorphic wooden sculptures. HISTORY Nkanu peoples live in an area of central Africa that is rich with historical narratives and events. They are situated between Kongo and Yaka …
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Pende
PENDE TYPES OF ART The Pende carve numerous types of masks, most of which are associated with education and initiation rituals. In the northwest part of the territory wooden figures are sculpted. Carved stools, staffs, chairs, and swords are used by chiefs and other important people to signify their power. HISTORY The Pende, along with …
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Tabwa
TABWA TYPES OF ART Tabwa carvers produce many beautiful utilitarian objects such as combs, drums, and bellows, but also produce sculpted figures representing ancestors and twin figures. Although a few masks exist in collections, very little is known about them. HISTORY The peoples who currently identify themselves as Tabwa were once a series of smaller …
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Yaka
YAKA TYPES OF ART Both mbwoolo sculptures and a type of carved slit drum known as a mukoku are used by ritual specialists. Mukoku help in the divination process, and mbwoolo are used to embody protective medicine. The Yaka also carve numerous masks and headgear for use in initiation and to be worn by traditional leaders. Hair combs and fly whisks often are …
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