Lega Bwami Ritual Mask - DR Congo
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Selected by Julien Gauthier
A decade of experience in historical arms, armour, and African art.
Estimate € 280 - € 330
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The early 20th-century wooden Lega Bwami Ritual Mask from the DR Congo measures 23 × 18 × 12 cm and comes from a private collection.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Provenance: Private Belgian Collection.
Documentation: Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity issued by a PhD-qualified cultural anthropologist specialized in African art and a published author in the field.
Lega Bwami Mask – Democratic Republic of Congo
A beautifully carved wooden Bwami mask attributed to the Lega people of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The mask displays a striking facial composition, characterized by deeply recessed eye sockets, narrow slit-shaped eyes, a prominent elongated nose, and finely carved geometric patterns adorning the forehead, cheeks, and chin. Its rich brown patina, visible age-related cracks, and natural surface wear contribute to its distinctive appearance.
Within Lega society, masks are closely associated with the Bwami initiation society, an institution centered on moral teachings, wisdom, social responsibility, and personal advancement. Such masks served as important symbolic objects during initiation ceremonies, communicating ethical principles and ancestral knowledge.
An expressive example of Lega artistic tradition, displaying detailed craftsmanship and a beautifully aged surface.
Provenance: Private Belgian Collection.
Documentation: Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity issued by a PhD-qualified cultural anthropologist specialized in African art and a published author in the field.
Lega Bwami Mask – Democratic Republic of Congo
A beautifully carved wooden Bwami mask attributed to the Lega people of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The mask displays a striking facial composition, characterized by deeply recessed eye sockets, narrow slit-shaped eyes, a prominent elongated nose, and finely carved geometric patterns adorning the forehead, cheeks, and chin. Its rich brown patina, visible age-related cracks, and natural surface wear contribute to its distinctive appearance.
Within Lega society, masks are closely associated with the Bwami initiation society, an institution centered on moral teachings, wisdom, social responsibility, and personal advancement. Such masks served as important symbolic objects during initiation ceremonies, communicating ethical principles and ancestral knowledge.
An expressive example of Lega artistic tradition, displaying detailed craftsmanship and a beautifully aged surface.
Details
Number of objects
1
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Period
Early 20th century
Material
Wood
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Lega Bwami Ritual Mask
Height
23 cm
Width
18 cm
Depth
12 cm
Weight
200 g
Provenance
Private collection
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