Description
Anthropomorphic statuette (Iginga) LEGA
Kakulu
Ex collection of Mr Ph. V. (more details on request)
Male statuette probably representing Kakulu Ka Mpito, a member of the Bwami society, victim of the misfortune caused to him by his wife, Wayinda, guilty of committing adultery during his pregnancy
Similar figures
Page 123 and 125 "La sculpture des Lega" D.. Biebuyck 1994
Page 35 “100 peoples of Zaire” Marc Leo Felix 1987
Page 16 illus. 22 IA la recherche du sens du Bwami” Viviane Baeke
Page 159 “L'art des Lega” E. Cameron, 2013
Plate 69, presented as Kakulu Ka Mpito "Lega Culture. Art, Initiation and Moral Philosophy" D. Biebuyck. 1973.
Pages 122 and 123 in "Lega. Ethique et Beauté", D. Biebuyck. 2000
This kind of figurine was used in the context of the cult of Bwami, during small scenes illustrating the aphorisms of which the Lega are fond.
Bwami is a society whose secret rites were reserved for initiates. This association organized the social structure and ensured the stability of the Lega community.
The Lega are a Bantu forest people from central Africa, established mainly in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, east of the Lwalaba river (the Congo river), up to altitude in the Mitumba mountains, in the provinces South Kivu and Maniema.
Characteristics:
TYPE OF OBJECT: Figure, statue
ETHNICAL GROUP: Lega .
ORIGINE: Democratic Republic of Congo.
DRC (ex Belgian Congo, ex Zaïre).
MATÉRIAL: Wood
DIMENSIONS: About 8 3/4 Inches high (22 cm)
9 1/2 " with the base (24 cm)
CONDITION: Medium
Reserve: $325.00
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LEGA anthropomorphic figure Kakulu statue Bwami Congo African Tribal Art MC 1719
Estimate $400-$500
Starting Price
$160
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