Mask, lukwakongo
Year
Democratic Republic of the Congo, early 20th century
Medium
Wood, fiber
Dimensions
h. 21.6 cm
8 1/2 in.
About the artwork
A miniature mask from the Lega people of northeast Democratic Republic of the Congo. These miniature masks, known as lukwakongo, are never worn on the face, but are tied to the arm or displayed on a ritual fence at Bwami society meetings. The mask represents membership in the society and identifies the rank of its owner. The heart-shaped face is framed by a line defining the nose, brows and the facial planes. The face is whitened by clay, and whole the forehead has a glossy brown patina. The face is framed by a raffia beard.
Enquire
Provenance
Nicolas de Kun, Brussels, acquired in 1957
Ernst Anspach (1914-2002), New York, acquired in 1965 (inv. no. 0112)
Carol and Jerry (1941-2019) Kenney Collection, New York, acquired in 2001
Private Collection, London
Ernst Anspach (1914-2002), New York, acquired in 1965 (inv. no. 0112)
Carol and Jerry (1941-2019) Kenney Collection, New York, acquired in 2001
Private Collection, London
Exhibitions / Fairs
New York, Museum of Primitive Art, African Tribal Sculpture from the Collection of Ernst and Ruth Anspach, 15 November 1967 - 4 February 1968
Questions about this work?
African Art Department
Get in Touch