EXCEPTIONAL THREE-FACED LEGA MASK (Bwami) – Democratic Republic of the Congo - LÉGA - DR Congo (No reserve price)
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EXCEPTIONNEL MASQUE TRIPLE VISAGES LÉGA (Bwami) – République Démocratique du Congo, carved from wood, Lega culture, 34 cm high, 19 cm wide, 15 cm deep, 1.5 kg, reproduction in excellent condition, provenance République Démocratique du Congo.
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Description from the seller
Triple-faced Lega Mask (Bwami) – Democratic Republic of the Congo
HEIGHT: 36 cm
WIDTH: 20.6 cm
THICKNESS: 15 cm
Wood carved, kaolin, natural pigments
Central Africa
This mask belongs to the artistic tradition of the Lega people, established in the eastern DRC (Maniema, North and South Kivu regions). Unlike the spectacular Kifwebe-type masks, Lega masks are intimately linked to the Bwami initiatory society, the heart of the Lega moral, philosophical and educational system.
Stylistic characteristics
Pure oval shape, without sagittal crest
White coating (kaolin) dominant, symbol of purity, wisdom and truth
Motifs punctuated by and circular incisions and painted, carrying initiatory meaning
Stylized face, deliberately abstract, favoring symbolic reading over realism
Interiorized expression, typical of Lega aesthetics
Ritual function
Lega masks were not intended for public dancing. They were used during:
Bwami initiation rites,
moral instruction ceremonies,
transmission of proverbs, social rules and spiritual values.
Each mask, associated with an aphorism or teaching, served as a visual support to the speech of the highest initiates.
Appreciation
Through its formal sobriety, its patina, and the richness of its symbolic language, this mask represents a beautiful example of Lega art, where strength lies in economy of means and depth of meaning.
Triple-faced Lega Mask (Bwami) – Democratic Republic of the Congo
HEIGHT: 36 cm
WIDTH: 20.6 cm
THICKNESS: 15 cm
Wood carved, kaolin, natural pigments
Central Africa
This mask belongs to the artistic tradition of the Lega people, established in the eastern DRC (Maniema, North and South Kivu regions). Unlike the spectacular Kifwebe-type masks, Lega masks are intimately linked to the Bwami initiatory society, the heart of the Lega moral, philosophical and educational system.
Stylistic characteristics
Pure oval shape, without sagittal crest
White coating (kaolin) dominant, symbol of purity, wisdom and truth
Motifs punctuated by and circular incisions and painted, carrying initiatory meaning
Stylized face, deliberately abstract, favoring symbolic reading over realism
Interiorized expression, typical of Lega aesthetics
Ritual function
Lega masks were not intended for public dancing. They were used during:
Bwami initiation rites,
moral instruction ceremonies,
transmission of proverbs, social rules and spiritual values.
Each mask, associated with an aphorism or teaching, served as a visual support to the speech of the highest initiates.
Appreciation
Through its formal sobriety, its patina, and the richness of its symbolic language, this mask represents a beautiful example of Lega art, where strength lies in economy of means and depth of meaning.
Details
Number of objects
1
Ethnic group/ culture
LÉGA
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Material
Wood
Condition
Excellent condition
Title of artwork
EXCEPTIONAL THREE-FACED LEGA MASK (Bwami) – Democratic Republic of the Congo
Height
34 cm
Width
19 cm
Depth
15 cm
Weight
1.5 kg
Authenticity
Reproduction/replica
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