
Description
Lega Mask from Zaire or Congo.
Wood with multi-layered patina. Remains of offerings, mica powder, kaolin.
Condition: good with a beautiful aged patina due to tribal use.
Covered in Pembe, white clay, each time the mask is used, resulting in a beautiful patina.
Lega masks, named Lukwakongo, have a standard design, but there are unique masks with symbolic and ritual meaning, made for special occasions.
The life of the Lega is regulated through the Bwami, to which both men and women belong. There are seven levels for men and four levels for women. Masks were used for initiation to the first two levels of the Bwami society and repainted with Phembe each time they were used or displayed.
Provenance: Manfred Schäfer, former gallery owner from Ulm, Germany. Including custom made.
Object:
Mask
Ethnic group:
Lega
Country:
DR Congo
Material:
Wood
Estimated period:
Mid 20th century
Sold with stand:
Yes
Dimensions:
34x16x12 cm
Weight:
650 gram
Condition:
Good condition, used with some signs of wear
Reserve: $120.00
Shipping:Domestic: Flat-rate of $39.00 to anywhere within the contiguous U.S. International: Foreign shipping rates are determined by destination. International shipping may be subject to VAT. Combined shipping: Please ask about combined shipping for multiple lots before bidding. Location: This item ships from The Netherlands
Your purchase is protected:
In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Chairish Auctions specialists are here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Chairish Auctions within 5 days of receiving the item.
Wood with multi-layered patina. Remains of offerings, mica powder, kaolin.
Condition: good with a beautiful aged patina due to tribal use.
Covered in Pembe, white clay, each time the mask is used, resulting in a beautiful patina.
Lega masks, named Lukwakongo, have a standard design, but there are unique masks with symbolic and ritual meaning, made for special occasions.
The life of the Lega is regulated through the Bwami, to which both men and women belong. There are seven levels for men and four levels for women. Masks were used for initiation to the first two levels of the Bwami society and repainted with Phembe each time they were used or displayed.
Provenance: Manfred Schäfer, former gallery owner from Ulm, Germany. Including custom made.
Object:
Mask
Ethnic group:
Lega
Country:
DR Congo
Material:
Wood
Estimated period:
Mid 20th century
Sold with stand:
Yes
Dimensions:
34x16x12 cm
Weight:
650 gram
Condition:
Good condition, used with some signs of wear
Reserve: $120.00
Shipping:
Your purchase is protected:
In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Chairish Auctions specialists are here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Chairish Auctions within 5 days of receiving the item.
Buyer's Premium
20%
Mask – Wood – Lega – Congo
Estimate $150-$200
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Decorative Tribal Art Sale
Feb 26, 2026 1:00 PM ESTNew York, NY, United States
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