Vintage African Lega Bwami Initiation Mask/8 1/2”H x 5 1/2"

Description

Vintage wooden mask from the Lega (Warega seen in older books) peoples of the Congo (Zaire formerly, but the Democratic Republic of the Congo today). 8 1/2” H x 5 1/2” W. Simple, abstract long face with four large, white “bean shaped" carved eyes associated with Lega work, an oval white painted mouth, a traditional long nose, and an overall warm patina to the wood, inside and out. Was told that this piece has some age to it, and was used for dancing, but it also has a wonderful look I think!
According to research, the Lega people do not have a centralized political organization, and both men and women aspire to moral authority by participating and gaining high rank in the Bwami initiation association. Lega masks and figures are used as symbols of the owner's rank within the Bwami society.The objects represent moral and social values, and are used during initiation rites. The Bwami works of art are often associated with proverbs, and these proverbs in conjuction with dance, poetry, and song give wisdom to members of the society. Beauty, knowledge and power are intertwined.
_gsrx_vers_811 (GS 7.0.9 (811))