Masker - Lega - DR Congo (No reserve price)





| €10 | ||
|---|---|---|
| €9 | ||
| €8 | ||
Catawiki Buyer Protection
Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details
Trustpilot 4.4 | 125441 reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.
Masker, a wooden Lega mask from the DR Congo, originating from a private collection, 29.5 cm high by 19 cm wide by 6 cm deep, in good used condition, weight 326 g.
Description from the seller
This wooden mask, originating from a private collection, belongs to the rich tradition of the Lega, a people from the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
It is 29.5 cm high, 19 cm wide, 6 cm deep and in good, used condition. The weight is 326 g.
Within this culture, masks play a central role in the initiation rituals of the Bwami Society, a semi-secret order that structures the social, moral, and political life of the Lega. The Bwami Society has several ranks, and each level is connected with specific objects and symbols that convey moral values and life wisdom.
Meaning and function
Lega masks are used as didactic instruments during initiation ceremonies. They illustrate moral lessons, proverbs, and philosophical principles that are passed down from generation to generation.
The masks are not always worn on the face; they are often held, displayed on racks, or used as an accessory during rituals.
The sober, serene facial features refer to humility, moderation, and inner balance—values that are held in high esteem within the Lega.
Some masks refer to ancestors or mythical figures who introduced the higher levels of the Bwami order.
About the Lega people
The Lega primarily live in the Kivu region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Their society is not led by a king or central authority, but by the Bwami association, which can initiate both men and women and which serves as the moral and social backbone of the community.
The masks and other ritual objects are status symbols that indicate the owner's rank within the Bwami.
The style is recognizable by its oval shape, minimalist lines, and restrained expression, which reflect the philosophical values of the Lega.
It is carefully packed and shipped with a tracking service.
Seller's Story
This wooden mask, originating from a private collection, belongs to the rich tradition of the Lega, a people from the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
It is 29.5 cm high, 19 cm wide, 6 cm deep and in good, used condition. The weight is 326 g.
Within this culture, masks play a central role in the initiation rituals of the Bwami Society, a semi-secret order that structures the social, moral, and political life of the Lega. The Bwami Society has several ranks, and each level is connected with specific objects and symbols that convey moral values and life wisdom.
Meaning and function
Lega masks are used as didactic instruments during initiation ceremonies. They illustrate moral lessons, proverbs, and philosophical principles that are passed down from generation to generation.
The masks are not always worn on the face; they are often held, displayed on racks, or used as an accessory during rituals.
The sober, serene facial features refer to humility, moderation, and inner balance—values that are held in high esteem within the Lega.
Some masks refer to ancestors or mythical figures who introduced the higher levels of the Bwami order.
About the Lega people
The Lega primarily live in the Kivu region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Their society is not led by a king or central authority, but by the Bwami association, which can initiate both men and women and which serves as the moral and social backbone of the community.
The masks and other ritual objects are status symbols that indicate the owner's rank within the Bwami.
The style is recognizable by its oval shape, minimalist lines, and restrained expression, which reflect the philosophical values of the Lega.
It is carefully packed and shipped with a tracking service.

