Description:

Lega masks are from The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), made by the Bwami society, a semi-secret society of men and women. Bwami masks are symbols of the owner's rank within the Bwami society. The objects represent moral or social values and are used during initiation rites. The Bwami works of art are often associated with proverbs, and these proverbs in conjunction with dance, poetry, and song give wisdom to members of the society. Beauty, knowledge, and power are intertwined. Lega masks usually have a concave, heart-shaped face. Some of them have a raffia beard that symbolizes old age.