My wife inherited the mask from her parents, who have passed on. I attached a picture of all the assorted mask they collected many are not labeled like this one. We are just curious of the value as mywife was about to give many of these masks away to a friend.
9inches X 12 inches
Hello, this item is a carved wooden mask attributed to the Lega people of the Democratic Republic of Congo, likely created in the mid-20th century for either ritualistic Bwami society use or for the tourist/collector market. Lega masks are traditionally characterized by their minimalist facial forms, elongated almond-shaped eyes, and stylized oval shape—elements present in this example. The patina and visible tool marks suggest hand-carving, but the relatively clean interior and surface lack the deep wear or sacrificial residue typically associated with field-collected, initiation-used Lega masks.
The value of Lega masks depends significantly on authenticity, age, ritual use, and provenance. Based on the images provided and the absence of ethnographic signs of use, this piece appears to be a later production, possibly a workshop-made example intended for collectors or decorative trade rather than a ritual artifact. In that context, the current fair market value would range between $100 and $300 USD.