Hello Jason,

This is a carved wooden mask from Central Africa. Pieces like this have been made in Congo in the early 20th century. This, is a Lega Mask. Most of what we know as Lega "masks" are sculptures of a human face that are rarely worn. over the face and never for purposes of true transformation.

In the forests of the Democratic Republic of Congo, art is mainly created for semi-secret associations of men and women, such as the Bwami society of the Lega peoples. Bwami's teachings go over all aspects of life, direct the moral development of the individual and controll relationships with others. The Bwami teachings are represented by wooden and ivory masks, heads and small statues, all of which play a vital role during initiation into the highest ranks of society. Though simple in form, these sculpted objects embody complex and multiple meanings, elaborated through proverbs, skits and dances. The masks refer to ancestors and are passed down from one generation of initiates to the next as symbols of continuity.

Kakungu, of deep hollowed form, the elongated oval face with square chin and cheeks, the small cylindrical mouth below the straight narrow nose with flaring nostrils, bisecting the drooping eyes surmounted by a domed forehead. This mask was used during initiation rituals.

Very good condition.

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