A beautiful Lukwakongo diminutive mask with its long luzelu beard made from fibers traditionally drawn from a liana called lukusa (Manniophytum fulvum or Cordia abyssinica). During certain Lega rites, the masks were hung upside down, held in place by their beards. Here, the face, impregnated with kaolin, is in the heart shape characteristic of classic Lega art, and its serene, smiling presence is accentuated by simple engravings marking the mouth and closed eyes. Unlike anthropomorphic figurines, wooden diminutive masks do not bear individual names, and lukwakongo, or in some regions tulimu, is the generic term used to designate them all. Very similar to another Lukwakongo mask, this very fine example could be by the same hand as a mask from the former Leloup collection reproduced on the cover (and also p. 152, no. 54) of Daniel Biebuyck's catalog for the exhibition La sculpture des Lega at the Galerie Leloup in 1994. Lega, Democratic Republic of the Congo Wood, kaolin, cords and liana fiber beard, beautiful old oxidation and old patina. H. 20 cm (and ca. 67 cm with beard) Provenance : Acquired between 1956 and 1957 by Mr. V., territorial administrator in Maniema from 1952 to 1959.