LEGA MASK #02
USD 210.00
Material_Wood
Origin_Africa
Period_Mid 1900s
Dimensions_W8cm D3cm H10cm (mask only)
Additional Note_sold without stand
Product Number_#0140
Description_Lega inhabits the virgin forest of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, between the great lakes and the Lualaba River, next to Luba people. These small masks are sometimes called “Passport” masks due to their use as identification. They are often sewn onto a piece of cloth & carried on the person in a pouch. They are miniature copies of family masks and enable the carrier to retain contact with the spirit embodied in the parent mask. The masks are used to invoke benevolent spirits during secret society meetings. They also demand offerings from initiates during initiation ceremonies such as libations. In addition to warding off evil, the miniature masks also serve as witnesses during initiation ceremonies. This miniature mask has a brown patina and shows visible signs of age and usage.