Anthropomorphic face mask of the "bwami" society ·  D. R. Congo, Lega · ID: 3053360

Description

turtle shell, mass, feathers, cowrie shells,

The Lega revere turtles, which they consider to be particularly cautious and wise because of their slow movements.

The use of their shells for initiation ornaments of the “bwami” society is meant to symbolize the wisdom of the venerable members of the society.