Horned mask "kayamba" ·  D. R. Congo, Lega · ID: 3034950

Description

wood, shiny dark brown patina, drilled holes around the rim, fine cracks, small missing parts, socle;
this is the only type of Lega mask that is exclusively worn before the face in the few rites and places where it occurs. In some instances two masks of this type perform together when they represent troublesome strangers. This type of mask performs in very few “yananio” and “kindi” rites. In some cases it is part of the baskets containing collectively owned initiation objects. In other instances the mask belongs to a preceptor of “kindi” grade.

Comparing literature

Biebuyck, Daniel P., Lega, Brüssel 2002, p. 117