For English, please have a look below
CONGO DRC
Large Muminia LEGA Mask
For a very similar mask, see Maniema, Marc Léo Félix pages 74 and 75
Most likely Muminia, but it is sometimes difficult to differentiate them from Idimu masks, if this has not been specified by a member of the Bwami during acquisition
Muminia masks are rare, they are used during initiation rites to the second grade of the highest level of Bwami (Lutumbo Lwa Yananio)
These are generally quite large masks (compared to other Lega masks) They are the collective property of the community
Like most Lega objects, they are not the representation of an ancestor or a spirit but serve to transmit philosophical values in scenes illustrating the aphorisms of which they are undisputed specialists.
All Lega masks were used within the framework of the Bwami, an association that organized the social structure and ensured the stability of the Lega community.
The Lega are a Bantu forest people of Central Africa, established in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), in the provinces of South Kivu and Maniema.
Features:
OBJECT TYPE: Mask.
ETHNIC GROUP: Lega - Warega
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Democratic Republic of Congo
(ex Belgian Congo, ex Zaire).
MATERIAL: Wood
DIMENSIONS: Height: 27.5 cm.
CONDITION: Fair / Poor
Restorations
See photos.
The base is not included
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Bibliography - Art Lega - Bibliography:
- Lega. Ethics and Beauty in the Heart of Africa. Daniel P. Biebuyck. 2002. KBC.
- Lega Jewels from the Benoît Rousseau Collection. Viviane Baeke, MRAC and Benoît Rousseau. 2013. BRUNEAF.
- In search of the meaning of Bwami, through a collection like no other. Viviane Baeke. Undated. Royal Museum for Central Africa.
- The sculpture of the Lega. Daniel P. Biebuyck. 1994. Galerie Hélène and Philippe Leloup- Paris-New-York.
- The arts of Zaire, Vol II Eastern Zaire. Daniel P. Biebuyck, 1986, University of California Press.
- The Art of the Lega of Central Africa, Elizabeth L. Cameron. 2013, Musée du quai Branly.
- Lega Culture. Art, Initiation and Moral Philosophy Among a Central African People. Daniel P. Biebuyck. 1973. University of California Press.
- The Lega and their art. In the footsteps of a dreamer lost in Congoland, Emile-Alexandre Georges. 2005. Royal Museum for Central Africa.
- L'Art Lega - Grandeur and Humility. In the Vallois collection, Valentine Plisnier and Michel Boulanger, 2016.
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CONGO DRC
LARGE LEGA BWAMI MASK
For a very similar mask, see Maniema, Marc Léo Félix pages 74 and 75
Most likely Muminia, but it is sometimes difficult to differentiate them from Idimu masks, if this was not specified by a member of the Bwami during the acquisition
Muminia masks are rare, they are used during initiation rites to the second grade of the highest level of Bwami (Lutumbo Lwa Yananio)
These are generally fairly large masks (compared to other Lega masks) They are the collective property of the community
Like most Lega objects, they are not the representation of an ancestor or a spirit but are used to transmit philosophical values in scenes illustrating the aphorisms of which they are undisputed specialists
All Lega masks were used as part of the cult of the Bwami, an association that organized the social structure and ensured the stability of the Lega community.
The Lega are a Bantu forest people of Central Africa, established in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), in the provinces of South Kivu and Maniema.
Features:
TYPE OF OBJECT: Mask.
ETHNICAL GROUP: Lega .
ORIGIN: Democratic Republic of Congo.
DRC (former Belgian Congo, former Zaire).
MATERIAL: Wood
DIMENSIONS: About 10 3/4 Inches high
CONDITION: Medium / Bad:
Restored
Please have a look on the pictures
The base is NOT included
