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Description
Exceptional!! and rare. African (Congo Region),Probably Circa late 19th Century to early 20th Century,large *Bwami Society of the Lega Peoples* hand carved and painted mask with beard of extraordinary beauty and age patina.
Most Lega masks are heart shaped with concave faces that feature a delicate mouth and eyes shaped like cowrie shells. White pigments are applied to the masks. Surprisingly, the masks are rarely worn on the face, but are attached to different parts of the body, hung on fences, held in the hand, or worn over the forehead with the beard draping over the face. The masks are most frequently used during initiation ceremonies
In the forests of the Democratic Republic of the Congo art is created primarily for semisecret associations of men and women, such as the Bwami society of the Lega peoples. The teachings of Bwami permeate all aspects of life, guiding the moral development of the individual and governing relations with others. Bwami doctrine is represented by wood masks, heads, and small figures, all of which play a vital role during initiation into the society's highest grades. Although simple in form, these carved objects embody complex and multiple meanings, elaborated through proverbs, skits, and dances. The masks refer to ancestors and are passed from one generation of initiates to the next as symbols of continuity. For the Lega, physical beauty and moral excellence are inseparable. The dotted-circle motifs on many Lega works represent body markings, which enhance both the carvings and the characters they depict. The smooth polished surfaces of these sculptures allude to the refined and perfected nature of the Bwami initiate.Very impressive!! piece that will make a collector very very happy.
Provenance:
This piece comes from a Palm Beach,Florida Estate.
Measurements:
The piece measures approx. 19" (48cm) Tall (including the beard) x approx. 8-1/2" (21.6cm) Wide.The mask without the beard measures approx. 13" (33cm) Tall.
Condition Report:
We do our very best to describe the condition to the best of our knowledge.This piece is in very condition for it's age.Wear commesurate with it's age and use.Check all our pictures and close-up they are part of our description and PLEASE ask all questions and concern that you have about this piece before bidding or buying.Please read all of the description and terms of sale.
Payment
Payment is expected after the item is sold.
Paypal only,unless other arrangements are agreed upon
Paypal only,unless other arrangements are agreed upon
Shipping
We offer shipping in the USA and Worldwide.
No shipping to the Soviet Union.
No shipping to the Soviet Union.
Terms of Sale
Payment is expected after the item is sold.
Paypal only,unless other arrangements are agreed upon
About Us
Welcome to our eBay shop *antiques-belle-epoque*.
We are a husband and wife team of antique collectors and sellers for the last 33 years.In our Ebay shop you will find hand picked antiques and collectibles that we select to share with our customers in the USA and around the World,we try to select the finest for a fair price.
Customer satisfaction is the most important rule in our shop,you the customer will always be first.
If you are looking for that special piece to add to your collection or to your decor and don't see it in our inventory please let us know,we are always buying new pieces and can put you on our wanted items list.
Happy buying!!.
We are a husband and wife team of antique collectors and sellers for the last 33 years.In our Ebay shop you will find hand picked antiques and collectibles that we select to share with our customers in the USA and around the World,we try to select the finest for a fair price.
Customer satisfaction is the most important rule in our shop,you the customer will always be first.
If you are looking for that special piece to add to your collection or to your decor and don't see it in our inventory please let us know,we are always buying new pieces and can put you on our wanted items list.
Happy buying!!.
Contact Us
Please feel free to contact us with any question that you may have.
If there are any issues with your purchase,please contact us through the eBay messaging system,or email prior to opening a case with eBay or Paypal.We will do all that we can to help the situation to the best of our ability.We try to maintain a high status of excellence through helping our customers with any issues that may arise.
Customers satisfaction is paramount for us.
If there are any issues with your purchase,please contact us through the eBay messaging system,or email prior to opening a case with eBay or Paypal.We will do all that we can to help the situation to the best of our ability.We try to maintain a high status of excellence through helping our customers with any issues that may arise.
Customers satisfaction is paramount for us.
