Description:

**First Time At Auction**

Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Lega peoples, ca. early to mid 20th century CE. A hand-carved wooden face mask of characteristically stylized form with large, circular eyes, a tall nose, and a petite mouth. Remains of white kaolin clay are visible across the surfaces, and perforations along the periphery indicate how a larger raffia costume would have attached at one time. In Lega tradition, masks are a symbol of their owner's rank within the Bwami society, which is an initiative society whose membership is open to Lega men and women who undergo a system of instruction, payment, and initiation. Each time a mask like this one was used, it was rubbed again with white clay. Size: 5.75" W x 9.1" H (14.6 cm x 23.1 cm); 14.3" H (36.3 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-Lee Bronson collection, Los Angeles, California, USA; AHDRC object ao-0191588

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#177020

  • Condition: Chips to peripheries, verso, and pigment on obverse, with nicks and abrasions, minor darkening to remaining pigment, and inactive insect damage possibly present, otherwise very good. Nice presentation.

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April 6, 2023 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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