A look at Lega

The Lega Culture
Nehamba Mask sourced from Angola
Size in cm: 32 x 20 x 8
Weight: 300g.

The Lega Culture are originated around the north-eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The are known as a fishing, hunting and farming culture. They are well known for their carvings in sculptures and mask-making, especially in wood and ivory. Their participation in an association called “Bwami”, is a very vital element of the Lega Living. Lega’s strive to a higher and higher advancement within the Bwami association through exhibiting moral excellence.

Masks like these are used to signify a individuals rank as a form of an emblem within the Bwami association. Often they are worn during celebrations and ceremonies and run in conjunction with the displaying of other masks in groups. The most common Bwami mask is a small wooden face with a beard attached to it, as the sample seen in image. Only the two highest ranking grades have ivory objects as emblemised features. The senior kindi which normally instruct the younger initiates also wear a hat combined with elephant-tail hairs and cowrie shells. These specific masks are passed through the generational up comings within the association as they are initiated into the various grades.