Description:

Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Lega peoples, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. An old ceremonial face mask carved from lightweight wood. The stylized visage has circular sockets, simple nose, open mouth, and incised curvilinear lines incised across the surface - representative of ritual scarification marks. In Lega tradition, masks are a symbol of their owner's rank within the Bwami society, which is an initiative society whose membership is open to Lega men and women who undergo a system of instruction, payment, and initiation. Size: 11.25" L x 6.25" W (28.6 cm x 15.9 cm); 15.3" H (38.9 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Newport Beach, California Collection

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#141645

  • Condition: Stable pressure fissures across surfaces, chin, eyes, brow, with old repair to chin. Surface chips and abrasions. Great patina and age.

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June 1, 2023 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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