mc1077 Large Lega Cult Mask of Bwami Congo DRC Bwami Cult Mask
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$786.00
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CONGO DRC
Large Muminia LEGA Mask
Very probably 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 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.
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.
See photos.
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- Lega jewels from the Benoît Rousseau collection. Viviane Baeke, RMCA and Benoît Rousseau. 2013. BRUNEAF.
- The Lega and their art. In the footsteps of a dreamer lost in Congoland Emile-Alexandre Georges. 2005. Royal Museum for Central Africa.
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CONGO DRC
LARGE LEGA BWAMI MUMINIA MASK
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.
Restored