Traditions and Culture: Congolese Sculpture and Masks

The Democratic Republic of the Congo, like most African countries, is famous for its ancient sculptures and masks, which can be found in museums all over the world. The impact of Congolese sculpture on modern art and the cubism movement has been well documented. Pottery, basketry, textiles such as raffia, and wood carving are also popular Congolese handicrafts. There are at least fifty different styles of sculpture associated with the tribes.

They bear the name of the tribe where they were created and raised. Kongo, Teke, Holo, Suku, Pende, Mbala, Ngbandi, Ngbaka, Azande, Mangbetu, Mongo, Mbole, Lengola, Kuba, Luba, Songye, Lega, Bembe, Hemba, and Tshokwe are the most common. There are numerous other tribes that create valuable works of art. The most common material is wood, followed by ivory, bone, plant fiber, and metal: stone. Cowry shells, beads, feathers, animal skins, kaolin, and vegetable colors are also used to complement and decorate a variety of works in DRC.