"Bwami" society mask "idimu" ·  D. R. Congo, Lega · ID: 3046627

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.

The object “Bwami” society mask “idimu” with the object ID 3046627 was last part of the auction 94th Tribal Art Auction at March 7, 2020 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house and had the lot number 320.

You can find more Masks and other popular object types on our related topic pages. You may also be interested in our page on African art.

Comparing literature

Cameron, Elisabeth L., Art of the Lega, Los Angeles 2001, p. 194 ff.