Original accompanying de Sousberghe caption reads, " Pende. Muyombo."
De Sousberghe photographed a dancer performing the mask Muyombo at a masquerade at "Nyoka-Mulenga" (Central Pende), which was misnamed "Nyoka-Kakese" during the early colonial period, ca 1955-57. Muyombo is the most beloved of Central Pende masks. The emphasis of the performance is on beauty and style, the semicircular kicks, the pantomines of village activities, and the involvment of women. It is likely that Muyombo once had a central role, like Kipoko among the Eastern Pende, in fulfilling the masquerade's purpose of achieving a communion between the living and the dead. Masquerades build and cement communities. They celebrate the restored state of peace and security.
Local Numbers:
LS 102
General:
Title source: Archives staff.
Note source: Archives staff.
Collection Restrictions:
Use of original records requires an appointment. Contact Archives staff for more details.
Collection Rights:
Permission to reproduce images from the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives must be obtained in advance. The collection is subject to all copyright laws.
