The Bashilele/Lele live west of the Kasai river, north of the Pende and the Tchokwe tribes, and the Kuba/Bakuba live east of the Kasai.

They are often named a subgroup of the Kuba/Bakuba, but they have maintained their social and cultural identity through time.

Lele masks share some design element with those of the Kuba: the geometric, decorative patterns and the use of woven raffia and cowrie shells. Most Lele masks are rather flat with slit eyes and a small round mouth. Little has been published about the function of Lele masks; probably they were danced during funeral ceremonies.

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+/- 30

RDC Zaire

Lele Bashilele

59 x 28

1.076