MBOLE, Democratic Republic of Congo. Three rectangular mats known as 'Losa', made from straw woven and plaited by Mbole women belonging to the secret 'Otuku' community. During official ceremonies, the dancers hold them in their hands, or use them as protection against others. At weddings, women offer their in-laws several mats to demonstrate their weaving skills. When a member of the secret order dies, the others bring 'losa' and use them as a shroud. 54x31 cm (larger). Literature: "Losa", Flechtwerke der Mbole. Mabiala Mantuba-Ngoma, veerlag Fred Jahn Munchen, 1989.