A very rare Bembe Echawokaba Helmet mask from the DRC Congo. This mask belongs to the 'Alunga' secret society. Its a Janus face helmet mask with two enlarged concave orbits and a central tubular purpil. It represents a spirit frm the forest and is kept in a sacred grotto. It is taken out during initiation ceremonies related to the Alunga society and is worn during ceremonies related to hunting and the cult of the ancestor. This is a fine example of a very rare Bembe Helmet mask. There are age cracks, chips and Tribal repairs all seen on the photos. This mask has seen a lot of Tribal use and belongs in a good collection. STAND NOT INCLUDED. Please see a similar example in 'The Tribal Arts Of Africa' J B Bacquart pg.155