TITLE: Bembe Elanda Mask
TYPE: face mask
GENERAL REGION: Africa
COUNTRY: Dem. Rep. of Congo
ETHNICITY: Bembe
DESCRIPTION: Elanda mask
CATALOG ID: N/A
MAKER: N/A
CEREMONY: Elanda Society Dance
FUNCTION: Adult Initiation; Spirit Invocation; Secret Society
AGE: N/A
MAIN MATERIAL: wood
OTHER MATERIALS: N/A
The Bembe people of the Democratic Republic of Congo have multiple associations, one of which is the all-male Elanda Society. The Elanda Society can be joined only by those men willing to undertake complex initiation rituals. Elanda masks typically have horns, large ears, or other animal characteristics to invoke bush spirits, as well as multiple sets of eyes.
The Museum currently has no Elanda mask in its collection.
