"Bwami" society mask "idimu" · D. R. Congo, Lega · ID: 3046627
not available anymore
Size
H: 25 cm
H: 9.8 inch
Description
wood, collection number “8342”, base
Probably a mask of the “idimu”- type (small residues of the always white painting still visible). Believed to represent the head of a lineage group, the “idimu” ornament is kept by the most respected, oldest member of the “yananio” and “kindi” initiation level.
During major community performances, the “idimu” ornament is hung from a fence, surrounded by the smaller, personally owned “lukwakongo” masks, which all together represent the community of the “bwami” society.
Comparing literature
Cameron, Elisabeth L., Art of the Lega, Los Angeles 2001, p. 194 ff.