African Tribal Wood masks Tribal Art Carved Wood Triple Face Lega Mask-8287

30/28.2 CM
Clean geometry of primitive Lega masks. This unusual, hypnotic mask juxtaposes three nasal edges separating the eyelids, giving the illusion of three faces. Three mouths indicated by hollowed-out rectangles asymmetrically fill the lower area. This sculpted work indicated the stage that its holder had reached within the Bwami, a learning society composed of different grades, and which was joined by the wives whose spouse had reached the third level, that of the ngandu. Beautiful patina of abraded use, mate. At the Lea, 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 in the 17th century, the Lega settled on the west bank of the Lualaba River in the DRC.Also known as Warega, these individuals live in self-contained villages surrounded by palisades, usually on the top of hills. The role of the leader, kindi, is held by the oldest man of the clan, who must be the highest ranking.