Among the Lega (also called Rega, Barega or Warega), in eastern Congo, the Bwami Society presides over the tribe’s social and religious life. It subdivides in 6 ranks for men and 3 ranks for women. Transition from one rank into another is always accompanied by initiations. The Lega distinguish between two principal groups of masks in their Bwami ceremonies. The larger-size face masks (such as the present one), are called ‘Idimu’: they may only be worn and ‘danced with’ during initiations and other rites by the men of the two highest Bwami ranks (‘Yanino’ and ‘Kindi’). The second group of Lega masks are the smaller ‘Lukwakongo’ masks, which are not worn on the face but carried, effectively as an identity card, by members of the Bwami Society. During Society ceremonies these smaller ‘Lukwakongo masks’ are placed on the head (on the temples) or tied to mesh fences, spears, etc. Such that the Bwami members can see who is present. The present Lega ‘Idimu’ face mask is unusually old. It is in the typical style of the Lega: oval/round, carved from hard wood and originally coloured black and brown. Its attributes include a heart-shaped, slightly concave face, cupped inwards, with traces of earlier kaolin coating; coffee bean eyes, long straight nose and a small open mouth with outlined rows of teeth. Incised in relief on the forehead and on both cheeks are scarification marks. Overall, a very old mask displaying convincing, shiny usage patina on the outside as well as on the inside. Only minimal age damage (small pieces broken off on the back rim). H: 23 cm; W: 17 cm. First third of the 20th century. (ME)

Provenance: On the consignor’s account, acquired in the village of Kasambula, Maniema province; English Private Collection.

Lit.: ‘L’art des Lega’, catalogue, Musée du Quai Branly, Paris, ill. 7, 8,10, 30, 31; ‘Joyaux Lega’, Baeke & Roussau, ill. 1, 6; 'African Art in American Collections’, Robbins & Nooter, ill. 1231; ‘Die Kunst des schwarzen Afrika’, by Kerchache, Paudrat, Stephan, ill. 659.