Lega artist
Late 19th-early 20th century
Mask, lukwakongo
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Wood, kaolin, raffia
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Wood, kaolin, raffia
Height: 8 inches (20 cm)
This miniature mask from the Lega people of northeast Democratic Republic of the Congo is known as lukwakongo. They are never worn on the face, but are tied to the...
This miniature mask from the Lega people of northeast Democratic Republic of the Congo is known as lukwakongo. They are never worn on the face, but are tied to the arm or displayed on a ritual fence at Bwami society meetings. The mask represents membership in the society and identifies the rank of its owner. The heart-shaped face is framed by a line defining the nose, brows and the facial planes. The face is whitened by clay and the whole forehead has a glossy brown patina framed by a raffia beard.
Provenance
Collected in 1957 by Nicholas de Kun (1923-2024)Ex collection Ernst Anspach, New York
Ex collection Carol and Jerry Kenney, New York
Publications
African Tribal Sculpture from the Collection of Ernst and Ruth Anspach. New York: Museum of Primitive Art, 1967. p. 8Exhibitions
African Tribal Sculpture from the collection of Ernst and Ruth Anspach, Museum of Primitive Art, New York. 15 November 1967 - 4 February 1968Subscribe to our mailing list to receive updates from the gallery
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