Global Art & Artifacts

Old Passport Mask.  Lega People.  Warega.  Bwami Society.  DRC.  Congo.  Africa

Click the photo above for a larger version and more pictures

 

 

The Lega people originated in what is today Uganda, and started to migrate from there to their present location in the middle and upper Elila valley and upper Ulindi River Valley of the DRC or Congo in the 16th century. They were fierce warriors, conquering the people whose territory they entered and imposing many of their customs.

 

Lega masks are used as initiation objects in the Bwami Society.  These masks are categorized into five types (which includes material, size and form).  They serve as an important aspect as to rank, owner identification and Bwami level.

 

Unlike many African cultural masks, the masks are not worn over the face.  They are most often attached to the body, held in the hand or displayed on fences during initiation ceremonies.

 

This heart-shaped mask has raffia material attached as a beard… suggesting the depiction of a wise and competent elder.  Some traditional polychrome paint has been applied.

 

This is a unique and rare mask and is suitable for the Serious Collector.

Search EsotericStuff.com
SERIOUS COLLECTORS

NOTE to the Art Collector, Gallery Owner, Dealer or Academic: click here for items unique to your requirements.

Product Categories
CContainers
Bowls, Boxes, Bells, Gongs, Medicine Holders. Containers not considered vessels
FFurniture / Furnishings
Furniture, Furnishings, Wall Hangings, Screens, Lamps, Display Pieces, Pedestals, Paintings
MMasks
Masks and Headgear
RReference / Research
Maps, Books and Materials
SStatues & Figures
Statues, Sculptures, Figures, Heads & Busts
VVessels & Vases
Vessels, Urns, Vases, Incense Burners, Censers
WWeapons
Knives, Swords, Letter Openers, Phurbas, Spears, Blowpipes
OOther not categorized
Other and miscellaneous such as Jewelry, Musical Instruments, Games, Garments, Skulls