Bwami Mask, called Idimu (Primary Title)

Unknown (Artist)

19th century
Lega
Wood, white clay
Place Made,Democratic Republic of Congo
Overall: 10 × 6 × 3 1/4 in. (25.4 × 15.24 × 8.26 cm)
87.462
Large wooden idimu (ancestor) masks such as this one are owned collectively and are safeguarded by a member of the Yananio or Kindi grade. This important type of mask represents a great ancestor who brought the higher levels of Bwami to the community.
Arthur and Margaret Glasgow Fund
“Spirit of the Motherland.” Roanoke: Museum of Western Virginia. September 1995- January 1996. Newport News: Peninsula Fine Arts Center. January- May 1996.
Image released via Creative Commons CC-BY-NC

Some object records are not complete and do not reflect VMFA's full and current knowledge. VMFA makes routine updates as records are reviewed and enhanced.