MBOLE, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
MBOLE, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Three rectangular mats known as “Losa,” woven from straw by Mbole women and belonging to the secret society “Otuku.” During official ceremonies, dancers hold them in their hands or use them as protection against others. At weddings, the bride presents several mats to her in-laws to demonstrate her weaving skills. When a member of the secret society dies, the others bring “losa” and use them as a shroud. 55.5 x 39 cm (the largest). Another Losa mat is included. Literature: “Losa,” Flechtwerke der Mbole. Mabiala Mantuba-Ngoma, Fred Jahn Verlag, Munich, 1989. Provenance: Collection of photographer Angelo Turconi, Belgium/Italy.
MBOLE, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Three rectangular mats known as “Losa,” woven from straw by Mbole women and belonging to the secret society “Otuku.” During official ceremonies, dancers hold them in their hands or use them as protection against others. At weddings, the bride presents several mats to her in-laws to demonstrate her weaving skills. When a member of the secret society dies, the others bring “losa” and use them as a shroud. 55.5 x 39 cm (the largest). Another Losa mat is included. Literature: “Losa,” Flechtwerke der Mbole. Mabiala Mantuba-Ngoma, Fred Jahn Verlag, Munich, 1989. Provenance: Collection of photographer Angelo Turconi, Belgium/Italy.
