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FIG. 2 (RIGHT): Bandunga mask, by Lucas Lobata.
Woyo, DR Congo. Second quarter of the 20th century.
H: 52 cm. Collected by A. Maesen in the 1950s. Accessioned
by the RMCA in 1953, EO.1953.74.916.
In the twentieth century, bandunga masks were primarily
worn at purifi cation rites and incantations against natural
disasters. They also played a role in the funerals of
dignitaries, the enthronement of chiefs, and the arrival of
important visitors. Each mask had its own name.
This example was known as Mfutshi (“Inertia” or
“Delay”), a reference to a proverb: “He is late because he
had to sew his rags together fi rst!” The proverb refers to
people who make excuses to avoid unpleasant situations,
since clothes in tatters are impossible to sew effectively.