{"product_id":"vintage-hand-carved-lega-style-passport-masks-set-of-3","title":"Vintage Lega Passport Mask Collection, Congo Early 20th Century","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVintage Hand-Carved Lega-Style Passport Masks | Set of 3\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA striking collection of three vintage hand-carved wooden masks 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\u003eCarved by hand and collected in three graduated sizes, each mask has its own expressive character, surface variation, and patina. Displayed together, they create a wonderfully sculptural grouping with the depth and individuality that only hand-worked objects acquire over time.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTheir scale makes them especially versatile within a collected interior. Hang the three together as a wall installation, display them individually on stands, or layer them among books, textiles, art, and other found objects.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThese are vintage African-made decorative interpretations of traditional Lega forms rather than antique ceremonial masks.\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 masks\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSet Includes: 3 vintage hand-carved masks\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLarge: Approximately 11” L × 6” W × 3” D\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMedium: Approximately 7” L × 4” W × 2” D\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSmall: Approximately 6” L × 3” W × 2” D\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 have become particularly compelling collected objects because of their intimate scale and expressive carving.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis vintage group was hand-carved in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the tradition of these historic forms. While not represented as early ceremonial examples, their African origin, age, hand craftsmanship, and individual variations give each piece its own 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 vintage hand-carved objects, 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 pieces 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":41147916976326,"sku":"CFM-ALPMC-CE2C","price":395.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0578\/5809\/7350\/products\/87FCF1C8-48FB-46CA-9516-51901FFC4DAA_1_105_c.jpeg?v=1635309207","url":"https:\/\/luxecurations.com\/products\/vintage-hand-carved-lega-style-passport-masks-set-of-3","provider":"Luxe Curations","version":"1.0","type":"link"}