Lega Mask
Item
Accession Number
2024.63.
Title
Lega Mask
Ethnic Group
Salampasu
Subject
Mask|Ceremonial|Central Africa
Country
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Date
Early 20th Century
Medium
Wood, kaolin, raffa
Format
H x W x D: 17 3/4 in x 15 in x 2 3/4 in (45.085 cm x 38.1 cm x 6.985 cm)
Description
The Lega mask has a vertical emphasis formed by the narrow face and long, thin nose. The mask is painted with kaolin pigment, providing a stark white patina. The raffa is attached through small holes along the chin, extending below the wooden mask. An upper lip protrudes from the plane of the face, and small rounded eyes with cavities rest in large orbitals defined by a high ridge of a brow bone. This Lega "Bwami" mask would have been utilized in initiation ceremonies open to both men and women. The Bwami is important to Lega identity, supporting social and political life.
Type
Initiation Mask
Conforms To
Lega
