LEGA ARTIST
Mask, lukwakongo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, early 20th century
Wood, fiber
h. 21.6 cm
8 1/2 in.
8 1/2 in.
$ 16,000 | € 14,500 | £ 12,500
A miniature mask from the Lega people of northeast Democratic Republic of the Congo. These miniature masks, known as lukwakongo, are never worn on the face, but are tied to...
A miniature mask from the Lega people of northeast Democratic Republic of the Congo. These miniature masks, known as lukwakongo, are never worn on the face, but are tied to the arm or displayed on a ritual fence at Bwami society meetings. The mask represents membership in the society and identifies the rank of its owner. The heart-shaped face is framed by a line defining the nose, brows and the facial planes. The face is whitened by clay, and whole the forehead has a glossy brown patina. The face is framed by a raffia beard.
Provenance
Nicolas de Kun, Brussels, acquired in 1957Ernst Anspach (1914-2002), New York, acquired in 1965 (inv. no. 0112)
Carol and Jerry (1941-2019) Kenney Collection, New York, acquired in 2001
Private Collection, London