The Lele people occupy the western region of the Kuba kingdom in the Congo. The Kuba people are divided into subgroups: The Bushoong, the Ngeende, the Kete, the Lele, the Binji, the Dengese, the Mbuun and the Wongo. Each tribe pays tribute to the Nyim, king of the ruling Bushoong. Internal affairs are dealt with on an individual tribal basis. Lele masks appeared in dances accompanying the burial rites of chiefs and in annual foundation/creation ceremonies. Their tribal masks are characterized by having a facial flatness and narrow slit like curved shaped eyes. The great artist Picasso was an admirer of their work so much so that he infused Lele design into some of his own works.

This 15 inch long two toned mask features a darker side and a lighter side both decorated with "x" s and ochre pigmented dots. A slender pronounce nose divides the face accordingly. A slim mouth slightly open shows a top row of well carved wooden teeth. The mask shows minor signs of wear from tribal usage which is a marvelous attribute!

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Dimensions: 15 1/2 inches long x 10 inches across x 3 inches deep.

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