Mask with horns "kayamba" · D. R. Congo, Lega · ID: 3039036
Description
light wood, dark brown patina, remains of kaolin, of clear and simple form: triangular facial plane divided by elongated nose ridge, drilled holes form eyes and mouth, slightly dam., traces of insect caused damage, abrasion of paint, base;
Lega masks serve as important marks of rank within the different initiation levels of “bwami” society. The “kayamba” mask type belongs to accomplished teachers. Occasionally they are found in communally owned baskets with various initiation objects. Like all other masks, they are combined with sayings, drama, music and so forth in performances by men and women.
The object Mask with horns “kayamba” with the object ID 3039036 was last part of the auction 80th Tribal Art Auction at June 27, 2015 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house. The object with the lot number 438 achieved a sales price of EUR 3,000.
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Comparing literature
Cameron, Elisabeth L., Art of the Lega, Los Angeles 2001, p. 211, ill. 9.55