Horned mask "kayamba" · D. R. Congo, Lega · ID: 3042831
sold
EUR 2,200
Provenance
Rob Vervoort, Brussels, BelgiumPierre Dartevelle, Brussels, Belgium
Size
H: 39,5 cm
H: 15.6 inch
Description
light brown wood, kaolin, min. traces of black paint, eyes and mouth cut out, forhead/nose ridge and chin accentuated by drilled holes, min. dam., traces of abrasion, water spots, base.
Lega masks serve as important marks of rank within the different initiation levels of “bwami” society. The “kayamba” mask type belongs to accomplished teachers. Occasionally they are found in communally owned baskets with various initiation objects. Like all other masks, they are combined with sayings, drama, music and so forth in performances by men and women.
Comparing literature
Biebuyck, Daniel P., Lega, Brussels 2002, p. 116 f. Cameron, Elisabeth L., Art of the Lega, Los Angeles 2001, p. 210, ill. 9.54