Lega - DR Congo






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.
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Description from the seller
DRC Congo (formerly Zaire)
Lega
Wood
Height: 26mm + base 6.5cm
Width: 50mm
Depth: 50mm
Weight: 360g including base
Scepter of the Lega ethnicity from the DRC Congo.
Among the Lega (also called Rega or Warega), the Bwami society presides over all social life of the tribe. The society has, depending on the region, seven ranks or levels for men and three ranks for women.
Advancement to a level or rank required a series of initiatory tests, gifts, and payments settled by the lineage. While the small pocket wooden masks «Lukwakongo» serve as a “passport” for Bwami members, the large facial masks, such as the «Idimu» type, are reserved for exclusive use by men of the two highest ranks (Yananio and Kindi). They wear such masks during important initiation or instruction rituals.
Unlike many masks from other cultures or African ethnic groups, Lega masks were not typically worn on the face; they were not intended to cover the face, but were placed on the temples, the forehead, the back of the head, or simply hung from belts during Bwami initiation ceremonies. They could also be fixed around the arm or held in the hand. This type of mask is a symbol of the initiation grade attained by its wearer.
The parcels are sent with tracking numbers.
Fast and secure shipping. Parcels are sent from Monday to Saturday by Chronopost.
Delivery in France: 1 to 3 days; Europe: 2 to 5 days.
Delivery with Colissimo International worldwide.
We speak english.
Seller's Story
DRC Congo (formerly Zaire)
Lega
Wood
Height: 26mm + base 6.5cm
Width: 50mm
Depth: 50mm
Weight: 360g including base
Scepter of the Lega ethnicity from the DRC Congo.
Among the Lega (also called Rega or Warega), the Bwami society presides over all social life of the tribe. The society has, depending on the region, seven ranks or levels for men and three ranks for women.
Advancement to a level or rank required a series of initiatory tests, gifts, and payments settled by the lineage. While the small pocket wooden masks «Lukwakongo» serve as a “passport” for Bwami members, the large facial masks, such as the «Idimu» type, are reserved for exclusive use by men of the two highest ranks (Yananio and Kindi). They wear such masks during important initiation or instruction rituals.
Unlike many masks from other cultures or African ethnic groups, Lega masks were not typically worn on the face; they were not intended to cover the face, but were placed on the temples, the forehead, the back of the head, or simply hung from belts during Bwami initiation ceremonies. They could also be fixed around the arm or held in the hand. This type of mask is a symbol of the initiation grade attained by its wearer.
The parcels are sent with tracking numbers.
Fast and secure shipping. Parcels are sent from Monday to Saturday by Chronopost.
Delivery in France: 1 to 3 days; Europe: 2 to 5 days.
Delivery with Colissimo International worldwide.
We speak english.
