Bwami Society Mask , Men in Lega culture enter the centuries old Bwami society to learn skills and wisdom for life that are taught to initiates through art. Height : 22x13cm Material : Wood , Pigment , Rafia Provenace : Private Collection Estimated Age : 20th Century
These masks were worn by members of the powerful “Ibuku” society. The fearless “buku” required initiates to produce the head of an enemy or individually kill a lion or leopard. Masks were also used to evoke ancestor spirits and frighten the enemy in battle. Height : 42 x 25 cm…
Songye panel with Named after the men’s society and its mask, Kifwebe controlled the behavior of women and children and collected and redistributed wealth.