Masque, Lega, République Démocratique du Congo

Collecté in situ par l’administrateur territorial Raymond Hombert, en 1927
Collection Tom Hombert, Bruxelles
Collection Alexis Bonew, Bruxelles, acquis en 1969

Bonew, "L'art africain ou le monde des formes", L'Eventail, 29 décembre 1972
Bonew, "L'objet et le livre", Journal de l'Antiquaire, 14 novembre 1974, p. X

Very good condition overall. Wear consistent with age and use within the culture. Some slight abrasion on the front edges and to the rear also with some scattered white accretions on the back of the mask. One hole to the tip of the nose. The characteristic stylization, which is astonishingly reminicent of the work of Amedeo Modigliani, added to the layered kaolin patina, erased in places, intensifies the power of the face. In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Ce témoin ancien des grands masques idimu traduit le génie minimaliste de l'art Lega, s'incarnant dans l'absolue "abstraction d'une ligne" et dans la beauté picturale de la matière (Alexis Bonew "L'objet et le livre", 1974).  

Exclusivement réservés à l'usage des initiés du grade supérieur du Bwami, les grands masques idimu blanchis au kaolin appartiennent à la communauté. Ils sont placés sous la garde d'un kindi (initié) aîné, "agissant parfois pour plusieurs groupes de lignages rituellement liés" (Biebuyck, Lega. Ethique et beauté au cœur de l'Afrique, 2002, p. 98-99), Tandis que leur nom se réfère à la notion d'ancêtres, de pères défunts, ils sont considérés comme les "mères" (mina), la source vitale et protectrice des plus petits masques (idem).