Mask, Lega; D.R.C. Congo
Wood, pigment; H. 9 3/4"
Among the Lega, practically all art
is related to an overarching initiatory society
for both men and women known as Bwami that
is hierarchically structured with numerous grades
and sub-grades. The primary goal of this society
is to teach moral rectitude and to reinforce positive
social behavior as a means of cohesiveness among
members and lineage units. Bwami utilizes
ivory, elephant bone, and wooden figurines as didactic
instruments equated with specific aphorisms that
relate to problems and solutions, negative and positive
conduct, and respect. Additionally, masks and maskettes
are produced that are made from Bone, Ivory, and
wood, that in some cases have the same function
as figurines, or in other cases may be worn during
an initiation, by a preceptor or initiator that
will help the initiate to understand the lesson
of the grade they are passing into. Masks such as
this example are generally referred to as Idimu
(or in some cases Idumu), as they can be
worn to cover the face, unlike maskettes. Current
research by the author suggests that the line between
mask and maskette is not as rigidly held as has
been supposed. Additionally, masks have been seen
as generic portraits of deceased nonspecific initiates.
Again, this too may be questioned, as the Lega themselves
disagree with this definition and have stated that
the masks represent recognizable "dramatic
characters." Like the numerous characters depicted
in statuary, these would be recognizable though
interchangeable. The Gelbard mask is a classic example
of Lega sculpture, with abstracted features and
fantastic simplicity. The wood is ancient and covered
with a light residual dusting of the typical micaceous
kaolin, used in whitening the surfaces of the masks
in regions where mica abounds in the soil. In use,
this mask had a long fiber beard that would have
added to the overall dramatic effect of the performance.
Few Lega masks are this classical and this self-validating.
Indeed, few are this hauntingly beautiful.
