A rare animal mask of the Lega, from eastern Congo. It shows a long, heavily stylised antelope head with two horns above, and is hence called ‘Kayamba’ (antelope). It is carved from lightweight, light-coloured wood, and coloured brown on all sides. Both antelope horns display a slight curvature towards the outside. On the forehead there are four small, continuous holes in a diagonal row. The outlined eyes are slightly recessed, directly next to a long extended nose. At the lower end of the long, triangular antelope’s head sits a small, central, round and open mouth. Next to the mouth and along the cheeks of the animal head there are holes, in which was probably once bound a fibrous beard.
A very rare mask type of the Lega, with three old breaks to the left antelope horn (probably earlier insect damage), as well as a small fracture to the right eye. Otherwise no damage. With good, old shiny patina as a result of protracted use of this rare mask. There is a collection inventory number, in white letters, on the lower tip of the mask at the back.
Height: 40 cm (with horns); width: 15 cm.
First half of the 20th century. (ME)

Provenance:
South African private collection.

Lit.:
‘L’art des Lega’, catalogue Musée du Quai Branly Paris, ill. 185.