This rare wood and kaolin pigment mask is either from the Lega people or possibly a neighboring group like the Zimba from the Maniema region of the North Eastern D.R. Congo.
All Lega art is based on their primary secret society, the
Bwami association.
This political society was a hierarchy
of ranks, each one distinguished from the others by art
objects. The Bwami hierarchy consists of 5 ranks for men.
The masks are used to invoke benevolent spirits and serve
as witnesses during initiation ceremonies.
Ex. Leonard Kahan Gallery New York and Ex. Christopher and Genevieve McConnell collection
Note: Stand not included
Height: 11 ⅛”
Width: 8 ⅝”
Depth: 3 ⅞"
