Idimu mask

It participates in initiation ceremonies and is the collective property of the clan. They also participate in other ceremonies such as those of the cult of ancestors. It belongs to Bwami society. This society plays an essential role in the social, cultural and political life of the LegaIt is open to men and women, with men having to overcome four degrees of initiation and women. The Bwami company comprises seven degrees or stratifications: Bwami, Bombwa, Bubake, Pungyu (Pundju), Ngandu, Iyananio, Kindi. Le Bwami is at the same time an initiatory adult society, whose initial process lasts a lifetime, as life is a permanent initiation. In culture Lega there is no separation between the world from the profane and the sacred and between the visible and the invisible world. Masks are used exclusively by initiates. Most masks Legahave a heart-shaped face and eyes in a fairly large coffee bean. All these masks are symbols of strength and life even though the target of the kaoli confers on them an aspect of mortuary masks.