CONGOLESE LEGA BWAMI SOCIETY MASK. Hand carved mask by the Lega (also known as Warega) people who are integral to the Bwami society, a communal association that governs the Lega people. Bwami society masks symbolize the owner's rank within the community and embody moral or social values. They are used during various ceremonies, including initiations, funerals, and celebrations, and are believed to facilitate communication with ancestors. The masks act as badges, representing different levels of Bwami knowledge and validating an initiate's rank within the hierarchical Bwami system. The ultimate goal within Bwami is to achieve "Kindi" status, representing significant moral influence. - Length: 9.5 inches. Estimate $100-150
