Lukwakongo Mask - Lega - DR Congo

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Dimitri André
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Holds a postgraduate degree in African studies and 15 years experience in African art.

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Máscara Lukwakongo, a Lega mask from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, dating to the late 20th century, from the Manuel Morte, Padres Blancos provenance collection.

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Description from the seller

This mask has a very elongated shape within the Lukwakongo. The face is heart-shaped, concave, encrusted with kaolin, divided by a long, narrow, and schematic nose; the almond-shaped, open eyes.
They are located at different levels; the mouth, open and very expressive, is situated well below the face, far from the nose, elliptical in shape with a pointed lower part. Around the face, from the height of the nose, there is a long and wide beard made of banana palm fibers, called Luzelu, tied in holes around the jaw. The initiates of the second degree, the highest (Lutum-Bolwa Yananio) of the Bwami association, possess these masks called Lukwa-Kongo and use them in various ways (holding them in their hands, hanging them from their arms, under their chins, but never in front of their faces) during the initiation rites.

Provenance: Manuel Morte, Padres Blancos (missionaries)
Argiles collection, Barcelona

This mask has a very elongated shape within the Lukwakongo. The face is heart-shaped, concave, encrusted with kaolin, divided by a long, narrow, and schematic nose; the almond-shaped, open eyes.
They are located at different levels; the mouth, open and very expressive, is situated well below the face, far from the nose, elliptical in shape with a pointed lower part. Around the face, from the height of the nose, there is a long and wide beard made of banana palm fibers, called Luzelu, tied in holes around the jaw. The initiates of the second degree, the highest (Lutum-Bolwa Yananio) of the Bwami association, possess these masks called Lukwa-Kongo and use them in various ways (holding them in their hands, hanging them from their arms, under their chins, but never in front of their faces) during the initiation rites.

Provenance: Manuel Morte, Padres Blancos (missionaries)
Argiles collection, Barcelona

Details

No. of items
1
Ethnic group/ culture
Lega
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Period
Late 20th century
Material
Fiber, Wood
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Lukwakongo Mask
Height
32 cm
Provenance
Private collection
SpainVerified
2
Objects sold
Private

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