African mask African Lega mask African Tribal Face Mask Wood Hand Carved Wall Hanging-9088

43.3/15.3-CM
This African masks Lega indicated the stage that its holder had reached within the Bwami masks , a learning society composed of different grades. Thick partially chipped kaolin masks patina. Desication cracks. 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. The role of chief, kindi, is held by the oldest man in the clan, who must be the highest ranking.