Minneapolis Institute of Art

Mask

Lega artist

Date

20th century

Medium

Elephant ivory

Culture

Lega

Department

Arts of Global Africa

Institution

Minneapolis Institute of Art

The Bwami society is responsible for the social, religious and political organization of traditional Lega communities. Bwami membership is open to both men and women and individuals advance through many grades with growing experience and knowledge. Ivory maskettes and other symbolic objects are reserved for the highest ranks of Bwami. The second set of eyes refers to extended vision and wisdom. Democratic Republic of the Congo, Africa

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