Mask ·  D. R. Congo, Lega · ID: 3032822

Description

made of the kneepan of an elephant, dark brown patina, drilled holes around the rim, slightly dam., minor missing parts, base;
Lega masks are “bwami” initiation objects. There are five different types: “lukwakongo”, “kayamba”, “idimu”, “muminia”, and “lukungu”. They serve as important marks of rank, identifying the owners as members of specific “bwami” levels. The “idimu” mask is owned collectively and is kept by an appropriate member of “yananio” or “kindi”. In a major performance , the “idumu” mask is hung on a fence surrounded by the smaller, individually owned “lukwakongo” masks.