Product Details
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- Lega Idumu Bwami Society Mask, Congo #317
- Within the Lega, the Bwami society is opened to men and women, organizedsocial and political life. There were up to seven levelsof Initiation, each associated with Emblems.
- Following their exodus from Uganda during the 16th century,the Lega settled on the west bankof the Lualaba River, DRC. Also calledWarega, these individuals live in villagesautonomously surrounded by palisades, usuallyon top of hills.
- The role of the Chief, Kindi, isheld by the oldest man of the Clan, who must bethe highest ranking officer. As in other tribesof the forest, men hunt and clearwhile women grow cassava. Thesocial recognition and authority had toin addition to being earned individually: the chiefowed his selection to his heart (mutima), a goodcharacter, intelligence, and behaviorin flawless condition. During ritual ceremonies,Idumu masks were presented to insidersplaced on a barrier and surrounded by maskssmaller in size.
- Lega Idumu mask in very good condition with a beautiful dark brown patina and visibly oxidized wood from the 1940s to 60s
- Measurements:25×16×7 cm
