Items Similar to 1950's Lega 'Idimu' Mask, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 9
1950's Lega 'Idimu' Mask, Democratic Republic of the Congo
About the Item
This mid-twentieth century finely carved mask, from the Lega culture in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, displays the typically heart-shaped face of Lega 'Idimu' masks. Traces of old pigmentation are present around the eyes, and the original raffia-fibre costume is still attached to the mask. Throughout, the 'Idimu' mask exhibits a beautiful worn, smooth surface patina.
Among the Lega, masks of different shapes, sizes and materials were used in the initiation rites of the Bwami society, a semi-secret association of men and women. The teachings of Bwami permeate all aspects of life, guiding the moral development of the individual and governing relations with others. Instead of being worn in front of the face, Bwami masks such as this were held in the hands, hung on fences, or even pulled over the ground with their long raffia beards.
Provenance: Ex Private Collection, UK
Estimated Period: 1950's
References:
'Head (Bwami)', The Metropolitan Museum
'Face Mask (Idimu)', Art Institute Chicago
Height Including Custom Stand: 37cm
Width Including Custom Stand: 17.5cm
- Dimensions:Height: 14.57 in (37 cm)Diameter: 6.89 in (17.5 cm)
- Style:Tribal (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1950's
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU8736234687792
About the Seller
No Reviews Yet
Vetted Professional Seller
Every seller passes strict standards for authenticity and reliability
1stDibs seller since 2023
7 sales on 1stDibs
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: London, United Kingdom
- Return Policy
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View All1950's Nyamwezi Mask With Inserted Wooden Teeth, Tanzania
Located in London, GB
This finely carved Nyamwezi mask displays a powerful facial expression, with small rounded eyes and large ears, a long and slender nose, and an open mouth with inserted wooden teeth....
Category
Mid-20th Century Tanzanian Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Bamileke Mask With Attached Original Sotheby's Receipt from 1979, Cameroon
Located in London, GB
This fine and early Bamileke mask, carved from a heavy hardwood, features a vibrant expression. The surface of the mask exhibits a deep, well-worn patina...
Category
Early 20th Century Cameroonian Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Fine Early 20th Century Chokwe Mask (Ex Afrika Museum Collection)
Located in London, GB
This early twentieth-century mask, from the Chokwe culture in Angola, displays unusual features. Carved from a light wood and decorated with yellow pigments, this fine mask exhibits ...
Category
Vintage 1940s Angolan Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Pre-1940's Kete Mask With Powerful Expression, D.R.C. (Ex Penn Kent Collection)
Located in London, GB
This striking early twentieth-century mask, from the Kete culture in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, previously belonged to the private collection of Penn Kent, the former Dire...
Category
Early 20th Century Congolese Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Metal
Bambara Granary Door Lock in the Form of a Crocodile, Mali
Located in London, GB
This mid-twentieth century Bambara door lock from Mali has been carved into the form of a crocodile, a symbol of protection in the Bambara culture. The crocodile-shaped door lock, ad...
Category
Mid-20th Century Malian Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Hardwood
1940's - 1950's Pare Maternity Figure, Tanzania
Located in London, GB
This finely carved mid-twentieth century figurative sculpture, from the Pare culture in Tanzania, depicts a female with large, prominent ears. Standing in a proud, upright stance, sh...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tanzanian Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Hardwood
You May Also Like
Mukuba 'Hat', Bwami Society, Lega Culture, Democratic Republic of Congo
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Mukuba (Hat), Bwami Society, Lega Culture, Democratic Republic of Congo
1st Half 20th Century
Plant fiber, buttons, elephant tail hair, blue cloth
7...
Category
20th Century Congolese Other Tribal Art
Materials
Cotton, Natural Fiber
Set of 2 Kusu (Tribal) currency from Democratic Republic of the Congo
Located in Winnetka, IL
Three Kuso Currency pieces known as Boloko are from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. They are made from forged iron and were used as currency in commerce. Today, they are sculp...
Category
Early 20th Century Congolese Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Iron
Large Buyu Protection Figure Democratic Republic Congo Africa
Located in Rochester, NY
Old Buyu male ancestral protection power figure showing good signs of genuine age w/ beautiful old color patina. Democratic Republic Congo, Africa. Mid 20th. Measures 32" h x 10" w x...
Category
Mid-20th Century Congolese Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Luba People Caryatid Stool Democratic Republic Congo Central Africa
Located in Rochester, NY
Old Luba People stool hand carved from a single piece of tree wood w/ caryatid female ancestral figure as the central support. Showing good signs of genuine age and beautiful old sur...
Category
Mid-20th Century Congolese Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
20th Century African Songye Nkishi Kifwebe Figure, Democratic Republic of Congo
Located in London, GB
For sale is this wonderful vintage African hand-carved Kifwebe association Figure (or "N'kishi"), originating from the Songye people of the Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly the...
Category
Late 20th Century Congolese Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Metal
Painted White Woven Cane Fabric Beater from the Lega People of D. R. Congo
Located in Point Richmond, CA
20th century woven cane fabric beater from the Lega People of D. R. Congo
A sculptural piece of African utilitarian ware used to beat the dust out of fabric as it would hang on a ...
Category
Late 20th Century Congolese Tribal Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Aluminum