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Mask – Wood – Lega – Congo

 150,00

Out of stock

SKU: 26.204 Category: Tags: , ,
Description

Authentic Lega Mask from Zaire or Congo.
Wood with multi-layered patina. Remains of offerings, mica powder, kaolin.
Condition: good with a beautiful aged patina due to tribal use.

Covered in Pembe, white clay, each time the mask is used, resulting in a beautiful patina.

Lega masks, named Lukwakongo, have a standard design, but there are unique masks with symbolic and ritual meaning, made for special occasions.

The life of the Lega is regulated through the Bwami, to which both men and women belong. There are seven levels for men and four levels for women. Masks were used for initiation to the first two levels of the Bwami society and repainted with Pembe each time they were used or displayed.

Provenance: Justin Barthels (1934-2021), gallery owner Maastricht. Ex owner of a Salampasu mask DR Congo Estimated 60.000 – 90.000 USD by Sotheby`s. Source: (https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2012/africanoceanic-n08858/lot.189.html)

Object: Mask
Ethnic group/ culture: Lega
Region/ country: Congo
Material: Wood
Period: First half 20th century
Condition: Good
Sold with stand: No
Dimensions: 27×19×3 cm
Weight: 250 g
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