African Arts Gallery

Lele Mask (N° 19751)

In the category of masks with a relatively flat structure, this Lele mask presents details carved into an elongated face, such as orbits surrounded by grooves and metal bands, a narrow nose and a small tubular mouth. The headdress, in slight relief, is engraved with intertwined lines. Beautiful smooth and lustrous patina, locally encrusted with ochre.
The Lele , neighbors of the Tschokwe and the Pende , live in the west of the Kuba kingdom and share common cultural characteristics with the Bushoong of Kuba country. Both groups adorn their prestige objects with similar motifs. Their society, headed by a " nymi" king, includes three classes, that of the Tundu or war chiefs, the Batshwa ("those who reject the Tundu authority"), and the Wongo called after the neighboring ethnic group. The ritual ceremonies are under the authority of the elders, 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 carver is responsible for extracting palm wine, he also weaves raffia. He produces the ritual cups in which the palm wine is consumed to conclude an agreement.
Source: "Kuba", ed. 5continents, Binkley and Darish, "L'art africain", Mazenod.