Masks
are seen as African art in America however, masks are more than a decorative
element displayed in the home. African masks are sacramental, ritualistic, and
an important piece of the traditional culture and art of the peoples of Africa.
African masks typically have a spiritual significance. These masks are used in
dances, marriage ceremonies, funeral ceremonies and other special events. Every
mask has a sacred meaning.
Masks have always been important to the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The
Gungu Festival first took place 1925-1960 under the name Saga or Luvidi
Pende to observe the independence of the Kingdom of Belgium in the capital of
the territory of Gungu. From 1986-1998 the festival returned under the name Festival
Gungu, but once again the festival became inactive. However, in 2008 the
festival was once again renamed the Socio-Cultural Festival Gungu and is now
known as the Gungu National Festival. The National Festival Gungu or FESNAG is held in Lubumbashi, the capital of Katanga province in the southeast of Democratic Republic of the Congo. The National Festival Gungu aims to promote and make known to the Congolese people diversities of cultures of different communities of the DRC. Artists from all 11 provinces of the DRC, from Angola, Namibia, South Africa, Congo, Mali, and international artists participate in the festival.
The
National Festival Gungu is usually 3-7 days spent enjoying traditional songs
and dances. From July 19 to 22, 2014 the 14th festival took place in
Bukavu, capital of South Kivu province, the theme was
"National
cohesion, consolidation of peace and the fight against violence against women
in the region by the traditional culture." This year’s event is scheduled
for July 13-15, 2015 in Gungu, Kikwit in the southwestern part of the
Democratic Republic of Congo. The theme for this year’s festival is “The
permanence and revival of cultural values, a catalyst for development."
