A small, very old Lega identity mask from eastern Congo, known as a ‘lukwakongo mask’ (see cat. no. 170). Identity masks such as this one were owned by every member of the Lega’s ‘Bwami society’. They were attached to the upper arm or the temple, and affixed to small wooden posts at society gatherings. This enabled people who were arriving to see who was already in attendance. The ‘lukwakongo masks’ also provided information about their owner’s rank.
The present lukwakongo mask is extremely flat, carved from light-coloured lightweight wood, and the face portion at the front bears traces of a white kaolin coating. With a long, flat nose, slit eyes, an open mouth and six holes in the angular chin to which a fibre beard can be attached. The back is also flat and smooth. An old, well used piece with a previous breakage to the back left of the upper edge, and a good, shiny patina as a result of protracted use. There is an inventory number from a collection, in white letters, on the back of the lower margin.
Height: c. 20 cm; width: 11 cm. First third of the 20th century. (ME)

Provenance: South African private collection.

Lit.: ‘L’art des Lega’, catalogue of the Musée du Quai Branly Paris, ill. 22, 27, 33, 167.