African Arts Gallery

In the category of flat surface masks, this Lele mask wears an elaborate balaclava hat and beard embroidered with beads, cowrie shells, fringed with horsehair or feathers. Glossy black patina.
The Lélé, neighbors of the Tschokwe and the Pende, live to the west of the Kuba kingdom and share specific characteristics cultural common with the Bushoong of the Kuba country. Both groups adorn their prestige objects with similar motifs. Their society, led by a king "nymi", includes three classes, that of the Tundu or war chiefs, the Batshwa ("those who reject the Tundu authority") and the Wongo called from the name of the neighboring ethnic group. The ritual ceremonies are under the authority of the oldest, chiefs of each village who hold the secrets of medicinal plants. These elders once formed, with the parents of twins, spiritual intermediaries, the bangang brotherhood responsible for the initiation of young people. The sculptor is responsible for extracting palm wine, he also weaves raffia. He produces the ritual cups in which palm wine is consumed to seal a deal.
Source: “Kuba”, ed. 5continents, Binkley and Darish, “African art”, Mazenod.