This is quite a significant cultural artefact originating from the Lega people, now based in the Democratic Republic of Congo (previously Uganda).
These types of masks were used during Bwami ceremonies. Bwami being a type of cultural, or societally driven communal association. During initiation ceremonies, this mask will have been used. One common practice was to rub a type of white clay onto the surface during the ceremony which has given this particular specimen a white patination.
The use of three totemic faces is quite significant, there are not a large number of these in existence. Largely because these are important objects to the societies / communities that will have used them and will have been less likely to be traded. For the Lega the ultimate goal of Bwami ceremonies was to reach the uppermost level of Bwami where one would be recognised as a Kindi, one who exhibits moral traits and is a leader in society.
Length: 35 cm
Width: 22 cm
Condition: in great vintage / antique condition. Has one fine crack to the temple (pictured).
At Antiquus, we have been trading professionally in antiques for several generations. We stand by all our descriptions and antiques appraisals and valuations. Our specialists have studied extensively with post-graduate degrees in the arts.
If you are in doubt about anything please do feel free to ask and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Please feel free to contact us for more details about this piece, including additional images (we will be working on video clips in future). Reasonable offers are always carefully considered.
Exchanges and returns
We accept returns and exchanges if the item is found to be at fault or does not meet the description provided. You must advise us within 30-days of receipt. Please provide as much detail as possible.
Return postage and packing are at your cost.
These types of masks were used during Bwami ceremonies. Bwami being a type of cultural, or societally driven communal association. During initiation ceremonies, this mask will have been used. One common practice was to rub a type of white clay onto the surface during the ceremony which has given this particular specimen a white patination.
The use of three totemic faces is quite significant, there are not a large number of these in existence. Largely because these are important objects to the societies / communities that will have used them and will have been less likely to be traded. For the Lega the ultimate goal of Bwami ceremonies was to reach the uppermost level of Bwami where one would be recognised as a Kindi, one who exhibits moral traits and is a leader in society.
Length: 35 cm
Width: 22 cm
Condition: in great vintage / antique condition. Has one fine crack to the temple (pictured).
At Antiquus, we have been trading professionally in antiques for several generations. We stand by all our descriptions and antiques appraisals and valuations. Our specialists have studied extensively with post-graduate degrees in the arts.
If you are in doubt about anything please do feel free to ask and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Please feel free to contact us for more details about this piece, including additional images (we will be working on video clips in future). Reasonable offers are always carefully considered.
Exchanges and returns
We accept returns and exchanges if the item is found to be at fault or does not meet the description provided. You must advise us within 30-days of receipt. Please provide as much detail as possible.
Return postage and packing are at your cost.