Description

The Lega are an ethnic group found in the Democratic Republic of Congo.The Lega tribe art is created for primarily their semisecret associations of men and women, such as the Bwami society of the Lega peoples. The teachings of Bwami are a conerstone of all aspects of life, guiding the moral development of the individual and governing relations with others. Bwami doctrine is represented by wood and ivory masks, heads, and small figures, all of which play a vital role during initiation into the society’s highest grades. Lega masks refer to ancestors and are passed from one generation of initiates to the next as symbols of continuity. Lega masks were used for the  instruction and initiation ceremonies ceremony rites  into the different  progressive levels of Bwami society , the association that Lega men rise through with lifelong deeds and often learning up the hierachy.The following mask is made from light wood and   has a brown patina,it shows good signs of  age and usage.

Material:wood, kaolin

Age:approx 55-70yrs

Origin:Democratic Republic Of Congo

Condition:excellent