Zemanek-Münster

Miniature mask "lukwakongo"

D. R. Congo, Lega
sold EUR 4,000
Provenance
Peter Loebarth, Hameln, Germany
Hans Dietrich Rielau, Hösbach, Germany (1997)
Size
H: 13,5 cm
H: 5.3 inch

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

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