Anthropomorphic mask "idimu"
D. R. Congo, Lega / Tale
sold
EUR 2,300
Provenance
American Collection, New YorkSize
H: 26,5 cm
H: 10.4 inch
Description
wood, kaolin, base
In addition to serving as insignia of a member’s rank within “bwami”, masks were also symbols of the link between the living and their deceased paternal relatives. They were also used to teach “bwami” initiates moral precepts and correct behavior of Lega society.
“Idumu” masks were collectively owned by the lineage. They were handed down from generation to generation and carefully preserved.