Bidspirit auction | TWO LEGA MASKS

TWO LEGA MASKS - Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ca. 19th - 20th century AD. > A pair of carved wooden masks of contrasting scale and finish, both reflecting the refined minimalism characteristic of Lega artistic traditions. The smaller mask, with a pale, worn surface, features a narrow, elongated face, high forehead, and delicately incised eyes beneath subtly arched brows. The perforated crown suggests attachment or suspension, consistent with its use as a handled or worn object within Bwami society rituals. The larger mask presents a darker, richly patinated surface with more pronounced facial modelling. The eyes are outlined and slightly asymmetrical, lending an expressive quality, while the open mouth and elongated nose emphasise verticality. A fibre beard, twisted and bound beneath the chin, adds a tactile and symbolic dimension. > Provenance: Prince collection, 1990s-2014; Ex. Neumeister 14th November 2012, lot 1079. > > Size: 175-260mm x 60-100mm; Weight: 390g > >