• Lega Bwami Idimu Mask, Congo #54
• The "heart-shaped" face is covered with Ritual Kaolin Clay, which is frequent characteristic of Lega Ritual Objects.Kaolin Clay, taken from local Riverbeds, was associated with Healing and with a Spiritual, Ancestral Realm of Existence. The Kaolin Clay pigment was applied to the surface of the Mask to confer the Sanctity of the object, and activate it's Spiritual Presence and Power.
• LegaIdimu Masks are significantly larger than Lukwakongo masks, but stylistically very close.All Lega Masksbelong to the village Bwami Society. Small Masks (Lukwakongo) are used for identification and worn on the body or are hung on a fence to represent children of the ancestors. Larger Masks, such as this Idimu (Ancestor) Mask, are worn on the face or back of the head, and can only be worn by Men belonging to the two highest Ranks of the Bwami Society (Yananio and Kindi).
• These are Collective Masks used during Ceremonies for High-RankingMembers of the Bwami Society, an Association that organized the Social Structure and ensured the Stability of the Lega Community.
• The Lega are a Bantu Forest People of Central Africa, established in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), in the provinces of South Kivu and Maniema.
• Measurements:About 10 3/4 Inches high(27.3 cm)
  
• Condition:Good
• A Custom Base is included