Miniature mask "lukungu" ·  D. R. Congo, Lega · ID: 3033780

Description

ivory, yellowish patina, polished, natural grains, dotted pattern, two drilled holes for attachment, fissures because of old age, rep.;
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 an important marks of rank, identifying the owners as members of specific “bwami” levels. “Lukungu” is the final category of all initiation objects. It is only brought out during “kindi” initiations. At death, it is placed on the grave, after which it is inherited by a nephew who has the right to own it. When “lukungu” masks are brought out, they are oiled and displayed on a fence or in front of their seated owners. The ivory masks “lukungu” call to mind death and the skulls of war victims.

Comparing literature

Cameron, Elisabeth L., Art of the Lega, Los Angeles 2001, p. 178 & p. 217