Lega Bwami Initiation Mask

A Lega mask, Democratic Republic of Congo. Used in initiation ceremonies for the Bwami society. The Bwami society is a centuries old voluntary society which promotes peace among the Lega who have no centralised state or regional authoritative roles. Lega masks are not often worn on the face, they are adorned on different parts of the body or hung for display. Carved from wood and coloured with white pigment. The mask is a small circular shape with almond shaped eyes. The nose is a raised ridge that runs down the face. The mouth expresses a small smile. The rim of the make has small holes and small circular nostril holes. Height 16.5 cm, width 15.5 cm, depth 6 cm