Mask "idimu" ·  D. R. Congo, Lega · ID: 3034651

Description

wood, light and dark brown patina, remains of kaolin, drilled holes in the head area, slit-shaped mouth with notched rim, grass fibre beard, slightly dam., minor missing parts (backside at the rim), metal 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.