Old LEGA LUKKAKONGO mask, DR Congo, ca 1930

Another Lega Lukwakongo that you immediately grabs you! 

I continue to be amazed at how penetrating the good Lega Lukwakongo masks can be. This is another one!
Minimalist in design: Elongated, oval eyes with kaolin remains on top and a slightly protruding small mouth with slightly pinched lips. The nose is straight and extends to the slightly overhanging forehead. Point decorations in the edge of the forehead and a beard made of natural fibers. It is striking that the beard is attached to the back with rattan. This mask was used by a leading member of the Bwami secret society during meetings where only important decisions were made; things like war, crop failures, etc.

The mask is placed on a custom-made stand that is of course included.

Length: 23 cm, only the wooden part
Length including stand: approx. 50 cm
Weight including stand: 523 grams
Origin: DR Congo
Dating: ca 1930
Provenance: ex Mr Hoewaer, Valkenswaard, Netherlands

From Daniel Biebuyck's work on the Lega peoples (particularly "Lega Culture: Art, Initiation, and Moral Philosophy", 1973), we can summarize the following about Lukwakongo masks:

Lukwakongo masks are small wooden masks that are part of the Lega's Bwami initiation system. They are not worn on the face, but used as objects in rituals, especially at higher degrees within Bwami. They symbolize moral values, such as honesty, wisdom and social order, and are displayed during ceremonies to convey life lessons. Aesthetically they are abstract, often with oval eyes, a smooth surface and white kaolin covering – this white represents purity and spiritual power. Each mask has a name and a meaning known only by initiates of a certain rank within Bwami. The masks are often combined with proverbs or stories that serve as moral guidelines. They are not only religious or ritual objects, but also status symbols: possession of them shows the moral and social status of the owner.