African Fine Arts - AFRICAN-ART

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Lega Mask # 1- Congo
Lega art is exclusively focused on and associated with the Bwami society. Each object has a precise role and function within their ceremonies and rituals and is used only by the initiated. These artifacts are numerous and are created from a variety of materials particularly wood, ivory, bone and elephant hide. Two major types of masks figure in Lega ceremonies: the first is a face mask, used during initiation ceremonies, which typically has a heart-shaped face with globular coffee-bean eyes, a linear nose and a diminutive mouth. White pigments are applied to the mask. The second, called Lukwakongo, is a mask worn on the arm, but it shares the same characteristics of the face masks, except it is smaller and worn on the initiates body to indicate his or her rank within the Bwami society.