Lega Bwami Society Mask, Based

A pale, heart-shaped face with narrow eyes, as if it just heard a secret.

Lega carvers of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central Africa, made this Bwami society mask in wood in the 20th century. Among the Lega, masks like this are commonly connected with the stages of the Bwami association and often held, worn on the arm or displayed rather than worn over the face. Here a broad oval form in warm tan wood carries a whitened face with long narrow eyes, a ridge for the nose and a small mouth. Vertical lines mark the forehead and cheeks. The surface is smooth and aged.

About 13 and a half inches tall on a black stand. A calm presence that fills a wall.