African Arts Gallery

This handle mask is probably a work of the Lengola originating from Uganda and living near the Metoko in the center of the Congolese basin between the Lomami and Lualaba rivers, people of the primary forest dedicated to the worship of a God unique, rare monotheism in Africa. This type of mask characteristic of the Maniéma region was brandished by the dancer during ceremonies.
Besides the Lilwa society, their society, the Bukota, welcoming both men and women, is a version of the association Bwami of the Lega. Their sculptures, subject to the influence of the neighboring Mbole, Lega and Binja, played a role during initiation, funeral or circumcision ceremonies, and were then placed on the tomb of high-ranking initiates. Each of these figures had a name and a meaning for educational purposes, following the example of lega traditions. The mythical ancestor Suway appears at the closing of the funeral as the carved figure Ubanga Nyama. Height on base: 43 cm