A very rare carved wooden mask decorated with incised linear designs. The rites and practices of the Mbole people, who inhabit the east-central region of the equatorial forest in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, are as mysterious as their objects are rare. In this very hierarchical and patriarchal society the lilwa society organization plays an essential role, similar to that of the bwami society amongst the neighbouring Lega people. Lilwa is responsible for governing social relations and organizing initiation rituals. It is also responsible for punishing those who transgress its rules, the most reprehensible crime being the disclosure of the society’s secrets.Several hypotheses have been put forth about the use of these masks suggesting that these masks were substituted for figures of the condemned when the prisoner succeeded in escaping, and that they were placed in the “lilwa house”. This explanation would account for the rarity of these masks and also for the symbolic importance accorded to these mouth-less objects, suggesting they were unable to speak , just as the initiated must respect the rules which protect the secrets of the lilwa society, never speaking with them.The mask itself measures 22 x 11 inches, 31 inches tall on base.Completely original untouched patina.

Fair, well weathered and encrusted.