Lega Figural Staff Congo African Art on Base

Additional Information: Among the Lega people of the Democratic Republic of Congo carved wooden figures are used during ceremonies of the Bwami Society, an initiation, and instructional society that governs and advises on moral and ethical conduct. The complex system of instruction, initiation, and advancement for both men and women in the Bwami society uses masks and figures to document the various levels of Bwami and to serve as badges validating the initiate’s knowledge of the secrets of Bwami and of their rank. This appealing white faced figure with a marvelously abstracted body represents a major figure and perhaps a ‘judge’ among senior members of the Bwami Society.According to Cornet, "These figurines are often part of an initiation basket owned collectively by a clan, and used in the ritual display of objects in the LUTUMBO LWA KINDI rite.