MID-CENTURY DESIGN & ECLECTIC VINTAGE DECOR

Rare large twin faced Lega mask of the Bwami society in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), circa 1930s.

This mask is very rare in that it is a large size ceremonial mask and would have been made for a set of high ranking twin males.

Regular Lega masks called 'Lukwakongo' are miniatures, designed for Bwami society members to wear on their arm or sides as a form of badge.

Larger face masks, such as this elaborately decorated one, are reserved for the twin male members of the highest ranks of the Bwami society (‘Yananio’ and ‘Kindi’) and worn, or used in dances, during the society’s ceremonies. 

Which makes this mask a rather unusual find.

This present Lega mask has a large broad almost rectangular shape. Coloured nearly all in dark wood but with kaoline faces and a single russet band below.

It has a curved top with a bird wing shaped carving on the very top. However, what makes the mask very interesting is the double-faced carving at its centre. 

Kaolin white diamond shaped faces with 2 deep scarification marks on the cheeks. 

There is a creamy patina to the kaoline white faces. 

Large protruding coffee bean shaped eyes, a long thin nose in dark wood and a small indistinct mouth below.

This is a very nice example of this type of double- faced Lega mask. 

Looking at the back of the mask you can see there is some age to it. 

It can be displayed on a stand or on the wall.

Very good condition commensurate with age.