Mask "lukwakongo" ·  D. R. Congo, Lega · ID: 3040105

Description

wood, brown patina, kaolin, heart-shaped deepened facial plane, grooved nose bridge, remains of a plant fibre beard, min. dam., small missing parts, fine cracks, slight traces of abrasion;
young men received the “lukwakongo” masks during the “yananio” rites. These masks were the most important insignia of rank until the owner moves to the higher level of “kindi” and trades his wooden mask for an ivory one, called “lukungu”.