Three small masks "lukwakongo" ·  D. R. Congo, Lega · ID: 3034161

Description

wood, brown patina, a) remains of kaolin, drilled hole at the chin, pokerwork, h: 20 cm, slightly dam., paint rubbed off; b) remains of black paint, drilled holes in the area of forehead and chin, h: 17 cm, dam. (eyes); c) remains of kaolin, grass fibre beard, h: 13 cm, slightly dam.;
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”. These masks were emblems of rank and visible signs for the connection between the deceased and the living.

Comparing literature

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