CONGO DRC

Nene Kisi Lega Figure

Sculpture of a Nene Kisi (The land owner)

Scarifications on the nose might seem a bit confusing for a Lega item
It is rare, but it does exist (see for example E-A Georges p193, 1

The figures used in the cult of the Bwami are generically called Iginga
Collective, sacred properties, they are kept in secret, generally in closed wicker baskets. Their use is reserved at passages to the upper (Yananio) and supreme (Kindi) levels
The figure is inseparable from the aphorism associated with it
The Bwami is a hierarchical association by ranks which organizes the social structure and ensures the stability of the Lega community
Each change of level is accompagned with initiation rites where people talk, sing, dance, mime and exhibit. A multitude of aphorisms are used in stories and songs
The aim is to formulate and to interpret in multiple symbolic ways principles, moral and philosophical values and rules of bwami, to each and inculcate them, and to bestow upon the initiates the paraphernalia pertinent to their grade level together with their symbolic references, and to convey the resulting power, prestige and privileges. (Biebuyk, Sculptures don not speak 2010)

The Lega are a Bantu forest people of Central Africa, established in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), in the provinces of South Kivu and Maniema.

Characteristics:
TYPE OF OBJECT: Figure, statue, figurine.

ETHNICAL GROUP: Lega – Balega - Warega.

ORIGINE: Democratic Republic of Congo.

(ex Belgian Congo, ex Zaïre).

Sud Kivu and Maniema provinces

MATERIAL: Wood

DIMENSIONS: About 13 3/4 inches high (35 cm)

CONDITION: Fair
Please have a look on the pictures.

BIBLIOGRAPHIE / BIBLIOGRAPHY :
- LEGA. ETHIQUE ET BEAUTE AU COEUR DE L'AFRIQUE. DANIEL P. BIEBUYCK. 2002. KBC.
- JOYAUX LEGA DE LA COLLECTION BENOIT ROUSSEAU. VIVIANE BAEKE, MRAC ET BENOIT ROUSSEAU. 2013. BRUNEAF.
- A LA RECHERCHE DU SENS DU BWAMI, AU FIL D'UNE COLLECTION PAS COMME LES AUTRES. VIVIANE BAEKE. SANS DATE. MUSEE ROYAL DE L'AFRIQUE CENTRALE
- LA SCULPTURE DES LEGA. DANIEL P. BIEBUYCK. 1994. GALERIE HELENE ET PHILIPPE LELOUP- PARIS-NEW-YORK.
- THE ARTS OF ZAIRE, VOL II EASTERN ZAIRE. DANIEL P. BIEBUYCK. 1986 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA PRESS.
- L'ART DES LEGA D'AFRIQUE CENTRALE, ELIZABETH L. CAMERON. 2013. MUSEE DU QUAI BRANLY.
- LEGA CULTURE. ART, INITIATION AND MORAL PHILOSOPHY AMONG A CENTRAL AFRICAN PEOPLE. DANIEL P. BIEBUYCK. 1973. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA PRESS.
- LES LEGA ET LEUR ART. SUR LES TRACES D’UN REVEUR EGARE AU CONGOLAND. EMILE-ALEXANDRE GEORGES. 2005. MUEÉE ROYAL DE L'AFRIQUE CENTRALE.
- L'ART LEGA - GRANDEUR ET HUMILITE. DANS LA COLLECTION VALLIER
(2016, VALENTINE PLISNIER ET MICHEL BOULANGER)


Reserve: $1,000.00

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