Lega BIG Mask, Lukwakongo, OLD Collection Start Price USD 650.00 Current Price USD 650.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Monday, July 21, 2008 End Time Monday, July 28, 2008 Location Denver, CO See more about 'Lega BIG Mask, Lukwakongo, OLD Collection' Description Title: Face Mask - LukwakongoType of Object: MaskEthnic Group: LegaCountry of Origin: Democratic Republic of CongoMaterials: Approximate Age: Mid 20th centuryDimensions: Height: 19.5 Inches.Width: 13 inchesOverall Condition: GoodDamage, Repair: NoneProvenance: This piece comes from a European collection. The owner was a diplomat in Zaire and then Angola and collected these pieces in the late 1960s. Additional Information: Lega sculptures are usually carved in a highly distinctive style, with a heart-shaped concave face with a slightly bulging forehead, slit coffee-bean eyes and an open narrow mouth. The zig-zag line embellishing the nose is often found on Lega figural sculptures and masks. This is mask shows long use and much wear with color defining the face and enhancing its overall design. Lega masks such as this are known as Lukwakongo, and are a relatively standardized size. However this mask is larger than most Lega masks which identifies it with the upper two grades of the Lega Bwami secret society. The complex system of instruction, initiation, and advancement for both men and women in the Bwami society uses masks and figures to document the various levels of Bwami and to serve as badges validating the initiate s knowledge of the secrets of Bwami and of their rank. Through time Bwami initiates earn the privilege to wear and display masks that might be worn on their arms or faces or simply exposed on racks or on the ground indicating their rank before other Bwami society members. For the Lega the ultimate goal is to reach the uppermost level of Bwami where one would be recognized as a Kindi, a leader and also a moral and social authority to be honored with the right to wear or carry certain masks.I have examined this piece and agree with the descriptionNiangi Batulukisi, Ph.D.**010790** All content, including pictures, Copyright Africa Direct Inc., 2006 Add Us To Your Favorite Sellers! Please visit our About Us page. SquareTrade © AP6.0 PesaMember Place a Bid!