The Lega is an ethnic group found in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Lega tribe art is created for primarily their semisecret associations of men and women, such as the Bwami society of the Lega peoples. The teachings of Bwami are a cornerstone of all aspects of life, guiding the moral development of the individual and governing relations with others. Bwami doctrine is represented by wood and ivory masks, heads, and small figures, all of which play a vital role during initiation into the society’s highest grades. This is a Lega mask commonly known as “Mpanda”, it is painted on the side with black lettering. It is a side-blown trumpet made of visibly very old ivory. With an oval mouthpiece on the inside, a charming face in relief on the thickened external body, and a hole for a carrying cord underneath. The external surfaces of the instrument are decorated with typical tribal motifs of geometric dots of the Lega, a tribe living in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Such horns were blown in war dances, they also announced the killing of an elephant.
- Material: Ivory
- Age:approx 50-60yrs
- Origin: Democratic Republic Of Congo
- Condition: Fairly good and slightly chipped at the bottom
- SKU: LMCL-068
- Weight: 0.3 kg
- Dimensions: 4.5 x 29.4 x 4 cm