Lega Lukwakongo mask
Bwami in African Legai art
A wooden Lukwakongo mask showing a flat forehead with high arching brows forming a heart shaped face. The eyes are small and slightly offset from one another. The long nose has drilled nostrils and the small, open mouth sits above the chin. To the side of the mask are holes for the insertion of a separate raffia beard, and the surface has traces of white kaolin clay pigment.
The initiation ceremonies that the Bwami conduct can take several days to complete. During these ceremonies the Lukwakongo masks keep alive the memory of the ancestors, and are carefully oiled before being attached to a palisade or the larger muminia or idimu masks. This display of masks forms a focus for the newly initiated whilst songs and chants are performed that convey ethical and moral values.
01444
Data sheet
- Presumed dating
- Mid XXth century
- Size
- 13 cm
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood
- Country
- Origin
- Tribal art collection Belgium
- Condition
- Excellent
Bwami in African Legai art
A wooden Lukwakongo mask showing a flat forehead with high arching brows forming a heart shaped face. The eyes are small and slightly offset from one another. The long nose has drilled nostrils and the small, open mouth sits above the chin. To the side of the mask are holes for the insertion of a separate raffia beard, and the surface has traces of white kaolin clay pigment.
The initiation ceremonies that the Bwami conduct can take several days to complete. During these ceremonies the Lukwakongo masks keep alive the memory of the ancestors, and are carefully oiled before being attached to a palisade or the larger muminia or idimu masks. This display of masks forms a focus for the newly initiated whilst songs and chants are performed that convey ethical and moral values.