African Arts Gallery

This African mask Lega indicated the stage that its holder had reached within the Bwami, a learning society made up of different grades, and which was joined by wives whose spouse had reached the third level, that of < b>ngandu. Grainy matte surface, kaolin residue. Erosions.
Within the Léga, the Bwami society, open to men and women, organized social and political life. There were up to seven levels of initiation, each associated with emblems. Following their exodus from Uganda during the 17th century, the Lega settled on the west bank of the Lualaba River in the DRC. Social recognition and authority had to be earned individually: the chief owed his selection to his heart (mutima), good character, intelligence, and impeccable behavior. During ritual ceremonies, Idumu masks were presented to initiates placed on a barrier and surrounded by masks of smaller format. This mask is used during the initiation rites of the Bwami society. The passage of a rank indicated the acquisition of a certain individual wisdom and morality.