Lega Figure with Multiple Heads Bwami Congo Africa 31 Inch
AvailabilityIn stock
SKU
95673
Special Price
$72.00
Regular Price
$395.00
US Shipping
$31.98
| Title | Lega Figure with Multiple Heads Bwami Congo Africa 31 Inch |
|---|---|
| Type of Object | Figure, Carving, Statue, Sculpture |
| Country of Origin | Congo |
| People | Lega |
| Materials | wood, pigment, feathers |
| Approximate Age | 20th century |
| Dimensions | 31 inches H.x 5 inches W.; 6.25 x 6.25 inch stand; |
| Overall Condition | Good: Most of our pieces have spent decades on at least two continents, and have been treasured by several owners. Small splits, scrapes and cracks are a normal part of their patina attesting to their age and extensive use. We examine each piece carefully when we receive it and report any damage we find in our listings. Please look carefully at the pictures which may also reveal condition and damage. |
| Damage/Repair | small cracks and scuffs, worn patina; see pictures for detail. |
Additional Information: An interesting Lega figure with 12 heads. Each face has a heart-shape with white pigments and typical Lega details.
Lega sculptures are usually carved in a highly distinctive style, with a heart-shaped concave face with a slightly bulging forehead, slit ‘coffee-bean’ or tubular eyes, a nose with a beak-like base, and an open mouth showing teeth. Figures may be covered completely in white clay or simply as on this face as on this figure. Here the faces are highlighted through the use of white pigment Such figures were used during the initiation of Bwami society members, along with other figures and masks.
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. Without knowing the exact circumstance and owner of a figure by Lega men or women it is difficult to determine their specific name or use as individuals will commission a sculpture for particular rituals or as badges of specific office or level attained in the Bwami society.