Mask "lukungu" ·  D. R. Congo, Lega · ID: 3041845

Description

ivory, brown patina, red pigment, flat and of regular oval form, drilled holes, base;
Lega masks fall into the category of “bwami” initiation objects. The Lega divide them into five types: “lukwakongo”, “kayamba”, “idimu”, “muminia” and “lukungu”. They serve as important marks of rank, identifying their owners as members of specific “bwami” levels. “Lukungu” is the final category of all initiation objects. It is only brought out during “kindi” initiations. In the event of death it is placed on the grave and afterwards is inherited to a nephew of the deceased. When “lukungu” masks are brought out, they are oiled and displayed on a fence or in front of their seated owners. The “lukungu” ivory masks should remind people of death and transcience.

Comparing literature

Cameron, Elisabeth L., Art of the Lega, Los Angeles 2001, p. 54, ill. 3.8

Notices

This object is subject to CITES. Please note that it can only be sent within the European Union. At the present time export in third countries is prohibited, respectively, export licenses in third countries for objects containing or made of protected materials are only granted under stringent conditions.