Tribal Art

Ex-collection of Belgian African tribal art.

The triangular face underlined by a beard is specific of the Bassikassingo style. Large almond-shaped eyes, a triangular nose, a reduced mouth. According to Daniel Biebuyck, the widespread use of ancestor figures would be the result of the presence of pre-Bembe hunters among these groups living on the western shore of Lake Tanganyika. Matt patina, abrasions.
Migratory flows have mixed within the same territories Bembe , Lega, Buyu (Buye) or Boyo , Binji and Bangubangu. The Bassikassingo Bassikassingo, considered by some as a sub-clan of the Buyu Buyu, are however not of Bembe origin although they live on their territory, as Biebuyck's work has allowed to trace their history. Organized in lineages, they borrowed the association of Bwami from the Lega. The Bembé and Boyo traditions are relatively similar. They venerate the spirits of nature, water specifically among the Boyo, but also the heroic ancestors, whose will is sought to be known through divinatory rites. Hunting is also an opportunity to make sacrifices of gratitude to the entities whose favor and protection have been sought. Their masks are rare and their function little documented.
Ref : "Art and Life in Africa" C. D. Roy; "100 people of Zaire and their sculpture" M.L.Félix.