SOLD
Top! LUKWAKONGO pasport mask, LEGA, DR Congo, 1920-30
Lukwakongo, Lega pasport mask. A truly amazing item ... old and intensively used! Made of the very light correct Muntombo wood. On one side, the wear of frequent wearing on the hip or shoulder is clearly visible. See the detail photo! This mask was only worn by members of the Kindi grade at meetings of the Bwami council. It was mounted on a pala, a rack, during the meeting. See the last photo.The mask has a very strong appearance. The beard, called Luzelu is made of lukusa liana as it should be, not rafia. The patina is varied with white kaolin. The black is soot. The patina is as well amazing as convincing and fitting with the age and use. I had a custom-made stand made for the mask, which is of course included. Personally I think this is a top object!
Length just the wooden part: 20 cm, including stand 51 cm
Weight of the mask: 142 grams
Date: 1920-30 to be safe but could be older as well
Provenance: Ex collection La Croix- Namen, Namur, Belgium