Lega Bwami Society Mask with Horns Congo Rohner Collection
Width: 4.25
Depth: 1.75
Description
The Lega people live near the northern end of Lake Tanganyika on the banks of the Lualaba River in the DRC. They are also known as the Warega. Living in small village groups, they have no centralized authority, but govern themselves through a communal association known as "Bwami." This association is composed of male and female members, who strive to advance up through the various ranks of Bwami, a long process which involves challenges as well as proof of knowledge.
Lega masks are typically used in the context of initiation and other important ceremonies, such as funerals and celebrations. They are believed to embody spiritual forces and serve as a means of communication between the living and the ancestors.
These masks are highly valued by collectors and art enthusiasts around the world for their intricate craftsmanship and symbolic significance. However, it's important to note that these masks are not just works of art but have important cultural and spiritual significance for the Lega people.
Provenance: John R. Rohner Collection
Rohner, a museum curator for decades, aimed his practiced eye for authenticity to African art beginning in the early 1980s. His passion for this art only grew through the decades he built his collection––always with an aim for a broad and representative array of pieces. The collection appears in his book, Art Treasures from African Runners (2000, University Press of Colorado).
Item #297 on pg. 157
Height (In): 10.0
Width (In): 4.25
Depth (In): 1.75
157351
Approximate Age: 20th Century
People: Lega
Country of Origin: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Condition
Overall Condition: Good. Most of our pieces have spent decades on at least two continents, and have been treasured by several owners.