Rare Lega Mask, DRC

Collectibles : Ethnographic : Fine Art : African : Figures : Masks

$950 USD
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Recognizable heart shaped face. Wide eyebrows connecting to the nose. Pierced eyes are both unusual and rare with the additional vertical cuts forming a Cross (which likely has no connection to Christianity, though religion did play an active role in these early masks.)

Wonderful patterned spots created by the application of kaolin suggests a reference to the leopard, and while the facial features are anthropomorphic, a monkey-like resemblance is also present. The slightly open mouth bears small wooden teeth.

Colouring is deep brown with whitened kaolin areas.

This piece measures 10.5" in height and is 6.5" wide.

During ceremony this had a long fiber or fur beard & likely a hair dress that would have further added to the drama of performance.

CONDITION: Rear - some breaking off of the holes where the hair & beard were connected. Chips of kaolin on the bottom of the nose. A beautiful aged patination. Light dusting of kaolin & encrustation indicate generations of use. Wonderfully expressive. Dark brown with whitened decorations. A fascinating mask! Exact tribe unknown. Early 20th century.

Item ID: R332