Lega Muminia mask
€270.00
The Lega classify their traditional masks as Bwami initiation objects and subdivide them into five types, depending on the material, size, and shape: lukwakongo, kayamba, idimu, muminia, and lukungu.
Their function is to mark the rank of their owners by indicating the grade of the Bwami to which they belong.
Contrary to the categories defined by the Lega, most definitions given by Westerners focus on their function. The term "mask" refers to an object that covers the face and transforms the wearer.
Lega masks are sculptures of human faces, which are very rarely applied to the face and which do not seek to truly transform the individual who wears them.
Like many initiation objects, lega masks sometimes have several uses and meanings, depending on the context of the performance. During Bwami ceremonies, the masks are attached to different parts of the body, stacked, hung on barriers, exhibited, dragged on the ground and sometimes worn on the forehead to let the beard fall over the face.
Small wooden masks, called lukwakongo masks, for example, are rarely worn on the face; Bwami members attach them to their arms, temples, foreheads or hang them on barriers.
Shipping fees
02518
Data sheet
- Presumed dating
- 2nd half XXth
- Size
- 27 cm (43 cm with support)
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood, kaolin
- Country
- Origin
- Tribal art collection Belgium
- Stand
- Included
- Condition
- Excellent
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The Lega classify their traditional masks as Bwami initiation objects and subdivide them into five types, depending on the material, size, and shape: lukwakongo, kayamba, idimu, muminia, and lukungu.
Their function is to mark the rank of their owners by indicating the grade of the Bwami to which they belong.
Contrary to the categories defined by the Lega, most definitions given by Westerners focus on their function. The term "mask" refers to an object that covers the face and transforms the wearer.
Lega masks are sculptures of human faces, which are very rarely applied to the face and which do not seek to truly transform the individual who wears them.
Like many initiation objects, lega masks sometimes have several uses and meanings, depending on the context of the performance. During Bwami ceremonies, the masks are attached to different parts of the body, stacked, hung on barriers, exhibited, dragged on the ground and sometimes worn on the forehead to let the beard fall over the face.
Small wooden masks, called lukwakongo masks, for example, are rarely worn on the face; Bwami members attach them to their arms, temples, foreheads or hang them on barriers.