The Lega is an ethnic group found in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Lega tribe art is created for primarily their semisecret associations of men and women, such as the Bwami society of the Lega peoples. The teachings of Bwami are a cornerstone of all aspects of life, guiding the moral development of the individual and governing relations with others. Bwami doctrine is represented by wood and ivory masks, heads, and small figures, all of which play a vital role during initiation into the society’s highest grades. These were highly prestigious utilitarian items among the Lega people of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Such small sculptures were displayed at the final phase of initiation into the Bwami society. Whether in the form of human figures, heads, or tools such as spoons, knives, hammers, and billhooks, they represent the proverbs through which Bwami ideals are taught. This is an old small Lega ivory statue with scarifications on it, sculptures such as these were only owned by high ranking figures in the Bwami society thus were a sign of status. It has a brown patina and of considerable old age.
- Material: Ivory
- Age:approx 50-60yrs
- Origin: Democratic Republic Of Congo
- Condition: Good
- SKU: CMCL-012
- Weight: 0.1 kg
- Dimensions: 3 x 12 x 1.5 cm