This is an old ivory zoomorphic carving locally known as “Mugugunda”, it originated from the Lega tribe 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. Among the typology of zoomorphic items used in bwami, carved from wood, ivory, elephant bone, clay, there are hundreds of found object types displayed alongside ivory in initiation. Some zoomorphic sculptures, mostly quadrupeds are carved in an ambiguous form rendering them nearly impossible to identify.
Zoomorphic forms are emblems used in initiation, individuals of lower grade may own them unless they are made of ivory. These stylized figures have prescribed a name during the ritual that does not necessarily correspond with the sculptural form. This is an old figure carved in lizard shape with a light brown patina and visible signs of old age and usage.
- Material: Ivory
- Age:approx 55-75yrs
- Origin: Democratic Republic Of Congo
- Condition: Perfect
- SKU: CMI-082
- Weight: 0.1 kg
- Dimensions: 19 x 0.5 x 0.5 cm