African Tribal Art - Lega Mask

Belgian private collection.

Within the Léga, the Bwami society, accessible to men and women, organized social and political life. There were up to seven levels of initiation, each associated with specific emblems. After their exodus from Uganda in the 17th century, the Léga settled on the west bank of the Lualaba River in the DRC. The chief, called kindi, was the oldest man in the clan and must have been the highest ranking. Social recognition and authority also had to be earned individually: the leader was chosen for his heart (mutima), his good character, his intelligence and his impeccable behavior. During ritual ceremonies, Idumu masks were presented to initiates, placed on a barrier and surrounded by smaller masks. The passage of a grade indicated the acquisition of a certain wisdom and individual morality.

Base included.

Item accompanied by its certificate of authenticity.
PS: what does the certificate of authenticity consist of? https://www.galerie-art-africain.com/faq.aspx?qid=8

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