Fatshimetrie, 13 October 2024 – A gala evening was held at the Royal Museum for Central Africa in Tervuren, Belgium, marking the first screening of a poignant documentary film dedicated to the Suku “Kakungu” mask. Produced by Flemish public television (VRT), this film entitled “Kakungu” immerses us in the fascinating history of this venerated mask, discovered in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Suku “Kakungu” mask is an ancestral cultural treasure, once at the centre of the traditional rituals of the Suku people of the Kwango province. Since 1954, it has been part of the collections of the AfricaMuseum, currently on loan to the National Museum of the DRC in Kinshasa. However, despite its current location, the mask remains the property of Belgium and remains loaded with a colonial legacy that challenges consciences.
This documentary film highlights the importance of restoring the mask’s true meaning to the community of origin, thus emphasizing that this cultural heritage can only be fully appreciated when it is placed in its authentic context.
In a context of reassessment of the Belgian colonial heritage in the DRC, the presentation of the Kakungu mask by King Philippe to President Félix Tshisekedi during his official visit in 2022 symbolizes a strong gesture of recognition and reconciliation.
The exhibition “Re Tinking Collections”, extended until December 1, explores the issue of the provenance of African objects in the collections of the Royal Museum for Central Africa. This initiative is part of an awareness-raising and dialogue process around the shared history between Belgium and the DRC.
In summary, this documentary film on the Suku “Kakungu” mask embodies an important step towards the recognition of cultural diversity and the promotion of African heritage, while encouraging deep reflection on the challenges of the restitution and preservation of the common colonial past. A cinematographic work that resonates beyond borders and invites everyone to rethink historical narratives to better understand the present and build a more inclusive future that respects cultural identities.