Comparatively small and flat masks such as this one were not worn on the face by the members of the Bwami society (six ranks for men, three for women) of the Lega, in eastern Congo; rather, they were used as ‘proof’ of their membership of the Bwami society and their rank within it. These ‘lukwakogo’ masks were affixed to short posts in front of large gatherings of the Bwami society. This enabled people arriving to see who was already taking part in the event. The present, visibly very old lukwakogo mask is carved from hard wood and dyed blackish-brown. It depicts a typical Lega face: long and oval in shape with a heart-shaped face that is slightly cupped towards the middle, slit coffee bean eyes, a long, straight nose and a small, open mouth. A beard made of brown plant fibres is affixed through holes around the chin.
An unusually old specimen with a few small pieces broken off from the tip of the nose and lips due to age. Otherwise no significant damage, but with a good, shiny patina on the front and back, as a result of very long use.
Height: 20.3 cm; width: 11 cm (the wooden mask alone);
Height: 31 cm (with beard). Between c. 1900 and the first third of the 20th century. (ME)

Provenance: Viennese private collection.

Lit.: ‘Joyaux Lega’ by Benoit Rousseau, ill. 2, 3, 4 et passim.