LEGA IGINGA FIGURES - DRC

Description

These two sculptures are Iginga anthropomorphic figures created by the Lega people, from eastern DR Congo. Lega culture, art is inseparable from Bwami, a semi-secret, multi-layered association that regulates the entire social, political, economic, and moral life of the community. Maginga figures are not idols or deities; they are highly restricted teaching tools and insignia of rank. These figures are kept hidden and are brought out exclusively during initiation ceremonies to higher grades of Bwami (Yananio and Kindi). They illustrate complex, proverbial moral lessons about wisdom, community responsibility, greed, and proper behavior. The owner's status is reflected by the bone or ivory which belong exclusively to the highest, most elite tier of the Bwami society, known as the Kindi grade. The recurring concentric circles seen on both figures represent spiritual awareness, the "eyes" of the ancestors watching over the community. Owners rub the figures with palm oil and red camwood powder over decades, which gives the organic bone or ivory its distinctive, warm honey-toned patina. Dimensions: 1) 3.5 x 1 x 1 ; 2) 3 x 1 x 1. Condtion: Good

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LEGA IGINGA FIGURES - DRC

Lot 0126

Estimate $160-$360Jul 4, 2026, 2:00 AM EDT

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