african tribal art, amazing double face lega mask from DRC Congo

Description

Title
african tribal art,  amazing double face  lega  mask
Types of object
Statue
County of origin
Democratic Republic of congo
People
lega
Materials
Wood
Approximate size
26cm-10.2 inches high by 25 cm-10 inches wide
LEGA TRIBAL INFORMATION
LOCATION
Southeastern Congo (Zaire)
POPULATION
20,000-250,000 Approx.
LANGUAGE
KiLega (central Bantu)
NEIGHBORING PEOPLES
Bembe, Binja, Zimba, Songola, Komo, Shi, Nanga
TYPES OF ART
The Bwami society is the context for the production of most Lega art work, which includes ivory and wooden statuettes and masks. Ivory objects are reserved for the highest level, Kindi, while wooden objects are used by Kindi and Yonanio, the second level.
HISTORY
In the 16th century the Lega began their long migration from modern day Uganda into their present location. They were a warlike people whose fierceness inspired those, with whom they came into contact, to adopt many Lega customs. In the 17th century they attacked the Rwandan outpost of Rutshurer on their way to Maniema, just west of Lake Tanganyika, dividing and conquering the people who lived in the region. Many cultural traits have been assimilated into the surrounding cultures, and the Lega still dominate the region today.
ECONOMY
Although traditionally the Lega were mostly farmers, raising manioc, bananas, and rice, they have recently been panning for gold in alluvial river deposits. There are also iron ore mines in the region which employ local labor. The Bwami society, which is a political organization, requires large payments.
POLITICAL SYSTEMS
The Lega are not organized under one centralized authority. Instead, individual communities are stratified in accordance with lineage hierarchies. The leader of the lineage inherits his position along patrilineal lines. This system is balanced by the Bwami society, which is theoretically open to all Lega, and involves movement through numerous hierarchical stages. One's power in the community is often determined by one's power in Bwami. The demand for high payment that is made for movement through Bwami often acts to challenge the lineage power structure.
RELIGION
The main gods are Kalaga, the promiser; Kenkunga, the reassembler and Ombe, the hidden. Kaginga is recognized as the incarnation of evil and assists sorcerers. By joining Bwami one can develop an immunity to the evil doings of most witches. The highest rank of Bwami is Kindi and is directly associated with the skulls of the ancestors, which are placed in a hut at the center of the village. Objects which contain powerful supernatural medicines are not exposed to public eye but are instead placed with the Kindi.
Please note I do combined shipping as follows
I charge for each additional item where postage is: 15 USD I reduce to 8.5 USD
25 USD I reduce to 10 USD
30 USD
I reduce to 12.50 USD
35 USD I reduce to 15 USD
40 USD I reduce to 17 USD
45 USD I reduce to 19 USD
50 USD I reduce to 23 USD
55 USD I reduce to 24.50 USD
60 USD I reduce to 27.50 USD
I also look the combine weight and reduce further where possible
PLEASE NOTE –
In addition to offering combined shipping.  Please contact me if shipping to Europe as I can adjust the shipping to a lower cost