Léga Mask - DR Congo (No reserve price)
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Current bid
€ 3
No reserve price
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Selected by Julien Gauthier
A decade of experience in historical arms, armour, and African art.
Estimate € 150 - € 200
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Masque Léga, a 25 cm wooden mask of the Balega people from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, dating from the late 20th century, in good condition and sold without a stand.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Origin. Democratic Republic of Congo
Tribe name. Balega
Material. Wood
Dimension. 25 cm
Shipping method. Colissimo within 24-48h; open.
The mask shown is a characteristic example of Lega statuary, a people originating from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Form and structure: The mask presents a classic oval shape, typical of Lega masks called idumu or lukwakongo. It is characterized by a purified and minimalist aesthetic.
This whitish coloration is often achieved with kaolin, a white clay used by the Lega to highlight facial features and symbolize purity or the link with the world of spirits.
Facial features:
Eyes: The eyes are represented as horizontal slits, often in the shape of coffee beans, sunken into marked orbital cavities.
Nose: The nose is straight, slender and well defined, extending the line of the brow.
Mouth: The mouth is often very discreet, sometimes reduced to a simple slit or, as here, practically absent, which contributes to the serene and hieratic expression of the face.
Cultural significance: These masks are not intended to be worn on the face during dances, unlike many other African masks. They are mainly used by members of the Bwami initiation society. They serve as insignia of rank and are transmitted or displayed during initiation ceremonies, symbolizing the wisdom, moral authority, and social status of their holder within the community.
Origin. Democratic Republic of Congo
Tribe name. Balega
Material. Wood
Dimension. 25 cm
Shipping method. Colissimo within 24-48h; open.
The mask shown is a characteristic example of Lega statuary, a people originating from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Form and structure: The mask presents a classic oval shape, typical of Lega masks called idumu or lukwakongo. It is characterized by a purified and minimalist aesthetic.
This whitish coloration is often achieved with kaolin, a white clay used by the Lega to highlight facial features and symbolize purity or the link with the world of spirits.
Facial features:
Eyes: The eyes are represented as horizontal slits, often in the shape of coffee beans, sunken into marked orbital cavities.
Nose: The nose is straight, slender and well defined, extending the line of the brow.
Mouth: The mouth is often very discreet, sometimes reduced to a simple slit or, as here, practically absent, which contributes to the serene and hieratic expression of the face.
Cultural significance: These masks are not intended to be worn on the face during dances, unlike many other African masks. They are mainly used by members of the Bwami initiation society. They serve as insignia of rank and are transmitted or displayed during initiation ceremonies, symbolizing the wisdom, moral authority, and social status of their holder within the community.
Details
Number of objects
1
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Period
Late 20th century
Material
Wood
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Léga Mask
Height
25 cm
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