Lega Idimu mask
€290.00
African Lega masks play a central role in the initiation rites of Bwami society, which structure the social and political life of the Lega people in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
These tribal art masks, carved from wood, bone or ivory, are used as teaching tools during initiation ceremonies, illustrating and reaffirming the moral and philosophical values of the community.
Of varying dimensions, traditional Lega masks can be worn, held in the hand or simply hung during secret Bwami rites.
They are used to teach moral lessons to initiates, each mask being associated with proverbs or stories that transmit collective wisdom.
Idimu masks, for example, represent a great ancestor who introduced the higher levels of Bwami into the community.
These wooden masks, coated with white clay, are collectively owned and preserved by a member of the Yananio or Kindi ranks, the highest within the Bwami.
Lega masks are not only objects of art, but living symbols of the philosophy and social structure of the Lega people, playing a vital role in the transmission of knowledge and values across generations.
To learn more about Lega masks, read our article.
Shipping fees
02552
Data sheet
- Presumed dating
- Mid XXth century
- Size
- 21 cm (36 cm with support)
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood
- Country
- Origin
- Tribal art collection Belgium
- Stand
- Included
- Condition
- Very good
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African Lega masks play a central role in the initiation rites of Bwami society, which structure the social and political life of the Lega people in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
These tribal art masks, carved from wood, bone or ivory, are used as teaching tools during initiation ceremonies, illustrating and reaffirming the moral and philosophical values of the community.
Of varying dimensions, traditional Lega masks can be worn, held in the hand or simply hung during secret Bwami rites.
They are used to teach moral lessons to initiates, each mask being associated with proverbs or stories that transmit collective wisdom.
Idimu masks, for example, represent a great ancestor who introduced the higher levels of Bwami into the community.
These wooden masks, coated with white clay, are collectively owned and preserved by a member of the Yananio or Kindi ranks, the highest within the Bwami.
Lega masks are not only objects of art, but living symbols of the philosophy and social structure of the Lega people, playing a vital role in the transmission of knowledge and values across generations.
To learn more about Lega masks, read our article.