Arts, Art

A wide range of traditional arts and crafts enriches Congolese culture. They include metalworking, basketry, painting, jewelry-making, and wood carving, particularly mask-making. Groups such as the Kuba and Luba peoples carve masks with distinctive traditional styles that are occasionally used in traditional rituals. Throughout the country, well-established, informal artistic gatherings are common, and numerous street artists and artisans display and sell their works.