Mask "idimu" of the "bwami" society
D. R. Congo, Lega
sold
EUR 4,000
Provenance
Galerie Fred Jahn, Munich, Germany (1987)Hermann Kühn, Munich, Germany (1999)
German Private Collection
Size
H: 27 cm
H: 10.6 inch
Description
wood, kaolin,
“Idimu” masks only appeared during initiation of the two higher grades, “lutumbu lwa yananio” and “lutumbo lwa kindi”. During the rituals, both might be exhibited on a little hurdle “pala”, surrounded by “lukungu” masks in ivory or bone.
All masks 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.