Among the Lega (also called Rega, Barega or Warega), in the east of Congo, the Bwami Society steers the religious and social life of the people. This Bwami society is divided in 6 ranks for men and 3 ranks for women. The Lega also have proper, big face masks. These may be worn, however, only by men of the highest rank of the Bwami Society. While all members of the Bwami society possess the smaller miniature masks called ‘Lukwakongo’. These smaller masks are also carried in lieu of an identity card. Alternatively, at ceremonies they get tied to the head or to the upper arm. Prior to gatherings of the Bwami society the ‘Lukwakongo’ masks are placed also on fences so that everyone can see who has already arrived at the ‘session’. The present small 'Lukwakongo' identity-card mask presents in the typical style of the Lega: made of light-coloured, lightweight wood, with a pointy, oval mask-head and a heart-shaped, concave, inwardly bulging face. The decoratively pierced forehead, the bridge of the long thin nose, the rectangular, slit ‘coffee bean eyes’ as well as the area around the small, round, perforating mouth were originally dyed dark brown. Traces of the typical white kaolin coating are distinctly can be clearly made out on the heart-shaped face. On each of its two cheeks is a hollowed, round scarification marks. The verso of the mask is smooth, flat and is not coloured. Attached to the edge of the lower half is a lengthy, partly plaited beard made of light-coloured dry plant fibres. A perfect example of a 'Lukwakongo-mask' of the Lega, with good patina and colour scuffed as a result of protracted use. Otherwise no damage. Height: 18 cm (the mask alone), 52 cm (with beard). First half of the 20th century. (ME)

Provenance:
Austrian Private Collection.

Lit.:
'L'art des Lega', Musée du Quai Branly catalogue, Paris, ill. 5, 7, 22, 27, 33, 34, 155, 156, 160, 164 169, 171 et al.; 'Joyaux Lega' by Benoit Rousseau, ill. 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11.