Mask - The League - DR Congo
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Current bid
€ 40
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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 € 150 - € 200
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Masker, a Lega wooden mask from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, dating to the late 20th century, 29.5 cm high, 19 cm wide and 6 cm deep, from a private collection.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
This wooden mask from a private collection is part of the rich tradition of the Lega, a people from the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
It measures 29.5 cm in height, 19 cm in width and 6 cm in depth and is in good used condition. The weight is 326 g.
In this culture, masks play a central role in the initiation rituals of the Bwami association, a semi-secret order that structures the Lega's social, moral and political life. The Bwami association comprises several grades, and each level is linked to specific objects and symbols that convey moral values and the wisdom of life.
Meaning and function
Lega masks are used as didactic instruments during initiation ceremonies. They illustrate moral lessons, proverbs and philosophical principles that are transmitted from generation to generation.
Masks are not always worn on the face; they are often held, displayed on shelves or used as attributes during rituals.
Features of the face, sober and serene, evoke humility, moderation and inner balance, values that the Lega hold in high esteem.
Some masks refer to ancestors or to mythic figures who introduced the higher levels of the Bwami order.
About the Lega people
The Lega live mainly in the Kivu region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Your society is not ruled by a king or by a 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.
Masks and other ritual objects are symbols of status that indicate the owner's rank within Bwami.
The style is characterized by its oval shape, minimalist lines and sober expression, reflecting the Lega's philosophical values.
Shipped with Track & Trace delivery, packed with great care.
This wooden mask from a private collection is part of the rich tradition of the Lega, a people from the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
It measures 29.5 cm in height, 19 cm in width and 6 cm in depth and is in good used condition. The weight is 326 g.
In this culture, masks play a central role in the initiation rituals of the Bwami association, a semi-secret order that structures the Lega's social, moral and political life. The Bwami association comprises several grades, and each level is linked to specific objects and symbols that convey moral values and the wisdom of life.
Meaning and function
Lega masks are used as didactic instruments during initiation ceremonies. They illustrate moral lessons, proverbs and philosophical principles that are transmitted from generation to generation.
Masks are not always worn on the face; they are often held, displayed on shelves or used as attributes during rituals.
Features of the face, sober and serene, evoke humility, moderation and inner balance, values that the Lega hold in high esteem.
Some masks refer to ancestors or to mythic figures who introduced the higher levels of the Bwami order.
About the Lega people
The Lega live mainly in the Kivu region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Your society is not ruled by a king or by a 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.
Masks and other ritual objects are symbols of status that indicate the owner's rank within Bwami.
The style is characterized by its oval shape, minimalist lines and sober expression, reflecting the Lega's philosophical values.
Shipped with Track & Trace delivery, packed with great care.
Details
Number of objects
1
Ethnic group/ culture
The League
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Period
Late 20th century
Material
Wood
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Excellent condition
Title of artwork
Mask
Height
29.5 cm
Width
19 cm
Depth
6 cm
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