Miniature mask "lukwakongo" ·  D. R. Congo, Lega · ID: 3041592

Description

middle brown wood, remains of kaolin, a heart-shaped facial plane without eyes and mouth, originally whitened with kaolin, three drillings in the chin area for attachment of plant fibre beard, min. dam., fine cracks, traces of abrasion;
masks and figures without eyes or mouth are sometimes associated with the following aphorism: “Where the patrilinieal kinship is finished, I shall reveal for you those (kin) on mother’s side.” This is to emphasize the importance of the maternal uncles of which the Lega recognize several categories. A person can get support and protection among any of these.

Comparing literature

Biebuyck, Daniel P., Lega, Brussels 2002, p. 74, ill. 19