Lega Mask Bwami Society Congo African Art SALE WAS $290.00

Additional Information: The Lega people live near the northern end of Lake Tanganyika on the banks of the Lualaba River in the DRC. They are also known as the Warega. Living in small village groups, they have no centralized authority, but govern themselves through a communal association known as "Bwami." This association is composed of male and female members, who strive to advance up through the various ranks of Bwami, a long process which involves challenges as well as proof of knowledge.

The ultimate goal for the initiate is to reach the highest level, and become a "Kindi," a position of power, prestige and influence with the village. It is during the various Bwami ceremonies that the charming and popular heart-faced masks are used. The masks are transported in baskets from village to village by high-ranking elders.

The social and political life of the Lega (also known as the Warega) is regulated by the Bwami society, to which both men and women belong. There are seven levels for men, four levels for women. This mask is said to have been used in female circumcision (as of 2007, FGM in the DRC is said to be below 5%1). The masks were repainted with Pembe each time they were danced. The mask was worn by the initiate and also displayed on a fence. This is a desirable piece of art that would stand out in any collection. The surface indicates some age. 

1- Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada,  Democratic Republic of the Congo: The practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) and legislation prohibiting the practice (2008-March 2012), 17 April 2012, COD104024.E, available at: http://www.refworld.org/docid/4f9e5ae62.html [accessed 25 February 2015]

Recommended Reading:

For similar examples, and more information, see "ART OF AFRICA" by Kerchache et al.

Cameron's ART OF THE LEGA

DL0319

**127109**

All content, including pictures, Copyright Africa Direct Inc., 2006

Africa Direct, Inc. has been selling on eBay since 1997 and has received more than 51,000 positive feedbacks. It is owned by Eliza and Sara, who began the company after spending a year wandering southern Africa in a camper van with their multi-racial family. They have been honored with eBay's Hall of Fame award, and by eBay Giving Works, through which they have raised more than $125,000 in charity auctions.

Customer Service : We treasure our many long term customers, and will try to make you one of them! If you have problems, please tell us... we care!

Handling Time : We ship daily except Sundays and holidays. Most orders go out the same day, and all go out within 48 hours.

Returns : We want you to be happy with your purchase. You're welcome to return an item within 30 days in the same condition you received it--just let us know you're returning it. You may have either a credit or a refund for your purchase price, not including shipping both ways. If your original payment was made through PayPal, we'll refund you through PayPal; if you paid us directly with your credit card, we'll refund the credit card.

Combining Shipping : You are welcome to wait to pay, and to combine multiple items for shipping. We ask that you keep each order to 10 days or 10 items, whichever comes first--then start another order.

When you're ready, just send us a list of item numbers or an invoice request and we'll send you an invoice. You can pay by Paypal or credit card.

U.S. Shipping : Our staff take great care in packing our artwork, much of which is antique, irregularly-shaped, and fragile. The cost of labor and the special packing materials used is reflected in our shipping price. Our U.S. shipping charges also include insurance; we self-insure on smaller orders. For these reasons, our shipping and handling charges may be more than the price of postage. .

International Shipping : We ship dozens of international orders each week, to customers on every continent except Antarctica! The shipping charges included in our listings are for U.S. orders. Contact us for shipping charges to your country. We offer uninsured USPS First Class airmail, insured Priority airmail, and insured Express airmail to most parts of the world, depending on the weight, volume, and value of an item. We also ship via FedEx or DHL on request.

Import duties, taxes, and charges are NOT INCLUDED in the item price or shipping charges. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding / buying. These charges are normally collected by the delivering freight (shipping) company or when you pick the item up -- do not confuse them for additional shipping charges. And please do not ask us to mark merchandise values below the actual value or mark items as "gifts"--U.S. and International government regulations prohibit such behavior.

Newsletter, previews and special offers : Sign up for our newsletter

Go to Africa Direct Store