The Lulua tribe, also known as Bena Lulua, migrated from western Africa during the 18th century and settled in what is now known as the southern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. They number 300,000 and live in small regional chiefdoms and in times of crisis elect a single common leader. Two related tribes are the Lwalwa and the Mbagani, the masks of which this example bears strong resemblance to. The Lwalwa number 20,000 and live on the frontier with Angola. They have remained independent, although they formed a relationship with the Mbagani. Lwalwa carvers are famous for their masks, which are worn during initiation dances, funerals, and to bring good fortune to the tribe. These masks typically display an enlarged nose, a protruding mouth, and slanted eyes set under a deeply domed forehead. This description fits this mask, with the exception of the forehead. The Mbagani carvers are also renown for their masks, which are characterized by a rectangular protruding mouth, a triangular nose, and enlarged coffee-bean eyes set under a domed forehead. This description fits this mask as well, with the exception of the eyes.Since the Mbagani people do not have major initiation ceremonies, it is thought that these masks are related to healing ceremonies. Although exact attribution is beyond our capabilities, this mask is nonetheless quite striking in its severe angularity, in its finely carved features, and in the relationships of the component geometries. -Bacquart