Lega Mask
Item
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Accession Number
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2024.63.
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Title
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Lega Mask
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Ethnic Group
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Salampasu
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Subject
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Mask|Ceremonial|Central Africa
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Country
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Democratic Republic of the Congo
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Date
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Early 20th Century
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Medium
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Wood, kaolin, raffa
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Format
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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)
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Description
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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.
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Type
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Initiation Mask
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Conforms To
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Lega
