Lot: 320

94th Tribal Art Auction

"Bwami" society mask "idimu"

D. R. Congo, Lega

Provenance Size Starting price / estimated price
H: 9.8 inch This object is not available anymore.

wood, collection number "8342", base

Probably a mask of the "idimu"- type (small residues of the always white painting still visible). Believed to represent the head of a lineage group, the "idimu" ornament is kept by the most respected, oldest member of the "yananio" and "kindi" initiation level.

During major community performances, the "idimu" ornament is hung from a fence, surrounded by the smaller, personally owned "lukwakongo" masks, which all together represent the community of the "bwami" society.


Cameron, Elisabeth L., Art of the Lega, Los Angeles 2001, p. 194 ff.