Gourd mask of the "bwami" society, 19th / 20th century ·  D. R. Congo, Lega · ID: 3049746

Description

pumpkin, pigments, base

For a stylistically very similar calabash mask from the collections of the Brooklyn Museum New York, see AHDRC 0148848.

The social and spiritual life of the Lega is governed by the “bwami” society. Within the association there are five initiation levels, or societies (“bwali”, “kongobulumbu”, “ngandu”, “yananio” und “kindi”), which every man must pass through in order to be considered a fully initiated member of the community in the teachings and traditions of the people.

Masks fall into the category of “bwami” initiation objects. The Lega further divide them into five types: “lukwakongo”, “kayamba”, “idimu”, “muminia” and “lukungu”. The masks serve as an important mark of rank, identifying the owners as members of specific “bwami” levels.

All masks / ornaments of the Lega are used as didactic supports during the dances, songs and narrated proverbs that transmit the Lega code of ideal conduct to the new initiates.