"Over
the centuries the peoples of the [Congo] Basin have attempted
to control ... unpredictable, elusive spirits through special
rituals, contacting them via religious and magical means. Called
on to appear at ceremonies marking rites of passage, and invoked
in times of disease, drought, dispute or threat to established
structure, these supernatural beings take on a physical presence
through the medium of masks. A mask not only disguises its wearer,
but also molds that individual's behavior. The masker, at times
possesed by the spirit, assumes its supernatural powers."
-
Diane M. Bolz
Dance,
and perhaps more interesting, masked dancing is an intrinsic
part of Bantu culture. These photos of masked dancers and magicians
were taken at both spontaneous and organized events throughout
middle to southern Bandundu.
