Product Description: Lele Mask

This flat mask is typical of the Lele artistic production. Its cheerful expression is very rare. Its eyes are surrounded by multiple lines and the encrusted patina confers great power and dignity.

From side profile: 10 inches
Height/Length: 10 inches
Width across face: roughly 6 inches

Age: approximately 40+ years.

Tribal History: Lele People

During the 16th century, the Kuba people migrated from the north and settled between the Sankura and Kasai Rivers. Today, they number 250,000,000 and are sub divided into a number tribes — the Bushoog, The Ngeende, the Kete, the Lele, the Ninji, the Dengese, the Mbuun and the Wongo. Each clan pays tribute to the Nyim, the king of the Bushoong ruling clan, but their internal affairs are dealt with autonomously. The Bushoong king and his court lived in a closed palace, known as the Mushenge. The king was responsible for the wealth and fecundity of his people.

The Lele people number is in the 20,000s and occupy the western region of the Kuba kingdom. They make their living mostly from hunting and agriculture. Lele carvers produced face masks worn at the annual founding celebrations which are nearly flat and have slit eyes surround by multiple line. The Lele use prestige objects influenced by the Kuba style. The figures on these objects occasionally have a coiffure with two long plaits down the back.

Availability: Usually ships in 3-4 business days.

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$189.00

*This item is ONE OF A KIND!  Once ordered it is removed from our inventory listings.

Product descriptions adapted from similar ones in The Tribal Arts of Africa written by Jean-Baptiste Bacquart

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