{"product_id":"vintage-hand-carved-lega-style-passport-mask","title":"Vintage Lega Passport Mask Small, Congo Early 20th Century","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVintage Hand-Carved Lega-Style Passport Mask\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA striking vintage hand-carved wooden mask from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, inspired by the traditional lukwakongo masks associated with the Lega people of Central Africa.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIts intimate scale, expressive carving, and beautifully aged surface give the piece the character of an object collected over time. At approximately six inches long, it has wonderful sculptural presence despite its diminutive size.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDisplay it on a stand, incorporate it into a collected wall arrangement, or layer it among books, textiles, art, and other found objects where its hand-worked surface and individual character can be appreciated up close.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is a vintage African-made decorative interpretation of a traditional Lega form rather than an antique ceremonial mask.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDetails\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaterial: Hand-carved wood\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOrigin: Democratic Republic of the Congo, Africa\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStyle: Lega \/ Lukwakongo-inspired passport mask\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDimensions: Approximately 6” L × 4” W × 2” D\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAge: Vintage; exact date unknown\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHistory \u0026amp; Inspiration\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTraditional lukwakongo are small masks associated with the Lega people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Bwami society, where masks and other carved objects historically carried social, symbolic, and instructional significance.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOften referred to in the decorative arts market as “passport masks,” these smaller sculptural forms are particularly compelling collected objects because of their intimate scale and expressive carving.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis vintage example was hand-carved in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the tradition of these historic forms. While not represented as an early ceremonial example, its African origin, age, hand craftsmanship, and individual surface variations give it distinctive character.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVintage Condition\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAs a vintage hand-carved object, variations in the wood, carving, finish, surface markings, wear, and patina are expected. These characteristics are part of the individuality and collected nature of the piece rather than imperfections.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlease review all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition description.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Luxe Curations","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41147917926598,"sku":"HB-2021","price":128.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0578\/5809\/7350\/products\/B116AFFE-D3DC-44DF-932A-1290EC2F1120_1_105_c.jpeg?v=1635309247","url":"https:\/\/luxecurations.com\/products\/vintage-hand-carved-lega-style-passport-mask","provider":"Luxe Curations","version":"1.0","type":"link"}