Mask - Lega - DR Congo
Opens Friday
Starting bid
€ 1
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Expert
Selected by Julien Gauthier
With almost a decade of experience bridging science, museum curation, and traditional blacksmithing, Julien has developed a unique expertise in historical arms, armour, and African art.
Estimate € 400 - € 450
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Description from the seller
Lega mask – Bwami – Democratic Republic of the Congo
Formal purity, carefully curated provenance, and museum presentation.
Property of a seasoned Belgian collector, amassed over many years of collecting.
This Lega mask stands out for a powerful sobriety and remarkable sculptural quality, characteristics of works tied to the Bwami initiation society. The oval face, with balanced volumes, is animated by a long central nose that structures the composition, narrow, deeply set eyes, and a discreet mouth, giving the whole an inward, almost meditative expression. The surface bears a light, ancient, and homogeneous patina, evidence of long ritual use and of natural aging perfectly mastered.
Side and front perforations, finely arranged, reinforce the object's stylistic identity. The condition is remarkable, museum-grade. The mask is presented on a high-end, custom pedestal, discreet and elegant, designed to fully showcase the work without drawing attention away from it.
Originating from the collection of a seasoned Belgian collector, built over many years of rigorous collecting, this mask offers all guarantees of seriousness, authenticity, and aesthetic coherence. A reference piece, ideal for a discerning collection or institutional display.
Introduction to our expertise firm
Based in Belgium, our appraisal and sales house specializes in African and ethnographic art. A leading seller on Catawiki for over 8 years, we enjoy a solid reputation and a track record of several hundred sales with a customer satisfaction rate close to 100%.
We regularly assist with liquidations, estates, and dispersals of collections, in collaboration with individuals and families in Belgium and neighboring countries. Our approach is designed to be rigorous, transparent and accessible, with sales often offered without a reserve price.
Some pieces that have passed through our hands have joined international private collections and, for some, museum institutions.
Shipping insured within 24 hours, with careful packaging, insurance, and tracking.
Contact 7 days a week: we remain available for any questions or requests for additional information.
Lega mask – Bwami – Democratic Republic of the Congo
Formal purity, carefully curated provenance, and museum presentation.
Property of a seasoned Belgian collector, amassed over many years of collecting.
This Lega mask stands out for a powerful sobriety and remarkable sculptural quality, characteristics of works tied to the Bwami initiation society. The oval face, with balanced volumes, is animated by a long central nose that structures the composition, narrow, deeply set eyes, and a discreet mouth, giving the whole an inward, almost meditative expression. The surface bears a light, ancient, and homogeneous patina, evidence of long ritual use and of natural aging perfectly mastered.
Side and front perforations, finely arranged, reinforce the object's stylistic identity. The condition is remarkable, museum-grade. The mask is presented on a high-end, custom pedestal, discreet and elegant, designed to fully showcase the work without drawing attention away from it.
Originating from the collection of a seasoned Belgian collector, built over many years of rigorous collecting, this mask offers all guarantees of seriousness, authenticity, and aesthetic coherence. A reference piece, ideal for a discerning collection or institutional display.
Introduction to our expertise firm
Based in Belgium, our appraisal and sales house specializes in African and ethnographic art. A leading seller on Catawiki for over 8 years, we enjoy a solid reputation and a track record of several hundred sales with a customer satisfaction rate close to 100%.
We regularly assist with liquidations, estates, and dispersals of collections, in collaboration with individuals and families in Belgium and neighboring countries. Our approach is designed to be rigorous, transparent and accessible, with sales often offered without a reserve price.
Some pieces that have passed through our hands have joined international private collections and, for some, museum institutions.
Shipping insured within 24 hours, with careful packaging, insurance, and tracking.
Contact 7 days a week: we remain available for any questions or requests for additional information.
Details
Indigenous object name
Mask
Ethnic group/ culture
Lega
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Period
Mid 20th century
Sold with stand
Yes
Condition
Excellent condition
Height
23 cm
Width
1 cm
Depth
1 cm
Weight
1 g
Provenance
Private collection
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