Due to the medium size of the piece (height: 20.5 cm) it probably represents either a small face mask ‘Idimu’ or an unusually large identity mask ‘Lukwakongo’, which appears more likely due to its all-over, thick, old usage patina. The mask is carved from lightweight, light-coloured wood. In typical Lega style: oval-round, with the ‘classical’, heart-shaped and concave recessed face area, with round eyes and long, flat nose above a small, open mouth. On each cheek the mask displays two diagonally incised decorative scars. Also, the remains of an earlier white colouring through kaolin are visible here. Along the chin are six holes to which a beard of plant fibres was originally attached. A perfect, unusual old piece with only three small, fine and superficial cracks on the back. Otherwise no damage.
The particularly good, partially shiny patina on the front and especially on the back indicates the great age of this mask. There is an old inventory number from a collection, in white letters, on the back rim at the bottom.
Height: 20.5 cm; width: 14 cm.
First third of the 20th century. (ME)

Provenance:
South African private collection.

Lit.:
‘L’art des Lega’, catalogue Musée du Quai Branly Paris, ill. 5, 166; ‘Joyaux Lega’ by Benoit Rousseau, ill. 4.