Lega Idumu Bwami Society Mask, Congo #317

Lega Idumu Bwami Society Mask, Congo #317Lega Idumu Bwami Society Mask, Congo #317 Within the Lega, the Bwami society is opened to men and women, organized social and political life. There were up to seven levels of Initiation, each associated with Emblems. Following their exodus from Uganda during the 16th century, the Lega settled on the west bank of the Lualaba River, DRC. Also called Warega, these individuals live in villages autonomously surrounded by palisades, usually on top of hills.

• Lega Idumu Bwami Society Mask, Congo #317
• Within the Lega, the Bwami society is opened to men and women, organized social and political life. There were up to seven levels of Initiation, each associated with Emblems. 
• Following their exodus from Uganda during the 16th century, the Lega settled on the west bank of the Lualaba River, DRC. Also called Warega, these individuals live in villages autonomously surrounded by palisades, usually on top of hills.
• The role of the Chief, Kindi, is held by the oldest man of the Clan, who must be the highest ranking officer. As in other tribes of the forest, men hunt and clear while women grow cassava. The social recognition and authority had to in addition to being earned individually: the chief owed his selection to his heart (mutima), a good character, intelligence, and behavior in flawless condition. During ritual ceremonies, Idumu masks were presented to insiders placed on a barrier and surrounded by masks smaller in size.
• Lega Idumu mask in very good condition with a beautiful dark brown patina and visibly oxidized wood from the 1940s to 60s
  
• Measurements: 25×16×7 cm