EO.0.0.3722
Olifantenmasker / Masque d’éléphant / Elephant mask. Former province Katanga. RD Congo. [Luba]. 19th century. Wood (Ricinodendron sp.), pigment. Gift from C.F.A. Lemaire. 1899. EO.0.0.3722.
An armed expedition of Charles Lemaire
From 1898 to 1900, at the behest of Leopold II, Lieutenant Charles Lemaire (1863-1925) conducted a massive expedition throughout the then-province of Katanga to establish borders, conclude treaties, and find raw materials. The heavily armed expedition was involved in a number of skirmishes. Throughout the voyage, and especially during the rest periods it granted itself at colonial outposts, the expedition ‘collected’ plants, animals, and objects that were then transported to the coast by hundreds of porters, many of whom died during the journey. This mask was taken in 1898.
The area introducing the permanent exhibition features how collections ended up at the museum. That section contains the ‘thirst for conquest’ showcase in which pieces acquired by Charles Lemaire are displayed.