A fine antique Lega Mask from The Democratic Republic of Congo.
Lega Masks form part of the Bwami initiation rites. They serve as a mark of rank, identifying the owners as members of specific Bwami levels.
"Both men and women in Lega culture enter the centuries-old Bwami society to learn skills and wisdom for life that are taught to initiates through art. Comprising five levels for men and three for women, Bwami is a voluntary association open to all Lega and its influence is meant to encompass the breadth of a person’s life. As the Lega say, “It is something that sticks and leaves a trace.” Most men and women enter the beginning levels of Bwami, but few reach the highest rank, known as Kindi."
A fine antique Lega Mask from The Democratic Republic of Congo.
Lega Masks form part of the Bwami initiation rites. They serve as a mark of rank, identifying the owners as members of specific Bwami levels.
"Both men and women in Lega culture enter the centuries-old Bwami society to learn skills and wisdom for life that are taught to initiates through art. Comprising five levels for men and three for women, Bwami is a voluntary association open to all Lega and its influence is meant to encompass the breadth of a person’s life. As the Lega say, “It is something that sticks and leaves a trace.” Most men and women enter the beginning levels of Bwami, but few reach the highest rank, known as Kindi."
