Statuette - Lega - DR Congo
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€ 1
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Expert
Selected by Julien Gauthier
With almost a decade of experience bridging science, museum curation, and traditional blacksmithing, Julien has developed a unique expertise in historical arms, armour, and African art.
Estimate € 230 - € 280
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Description from the seller
Lega Bwami sculpture – Democratic Republic of the Congo
A radical form, at the heart of African thought and aesthetics.
Property of a seasoned Belgian collector, amassed over many years of collecting.
This Lega sculpture, associated with the Bwami initiatory society, captivates with the power of its stylized silhouette and the radicality of its formal language. The body is deliberately reduced to the essentials: angular volumes, broken lines, a tense and dynamic posture, evoking both movement, vigilance, and introspection. The head, slightly inclined, enhances the expressiveness of the whole and lends the figure an almost abstract presence, with striking modernity.
These sculptures were used as educational and symbolic aids during the Bwami initiation rites, illustrating fundamental moral, social, and philosophical values. The ancient, dark, and nuanced patina testifies to prolonged ritual use, reinforcing the authenticity and spiritual significance of the artwork.
In its sobriety, its balance, and the strength of its abstraction, this piece fully fits within the Lega corpus sought by discerning collectors. A remarkable sculpture, at the boundary between ritual art and modern sculpture, ideal for a demanding collection or a discerning eye for the sources of 20th‑century art.
Introduction to our expertise firm
Based in Belgium, our appraisal and sales house specializes in African and ethnographic art. A leading seller on Catawiki for over 8 years, we enjoy a solid reputation and a track record of several hundred sales with a customer satisfaction rate close to 100%.
We regularly assist with liquidations, estates, and dispersals of collections, in collaboration with individuals and families in Belgium and neighboring countries. Our approach is designed to be rigorous, transparent and accessible, with sales often offered without a reserve price.
Some pieces that have passed through our hands have joined international private collections and, for some, museum institutions.
Shipping insured within 24 hours, with careful packaging, insurance, and tracking.
Contact 7 days a week: we remain available for any questions or requests for additional information.
Lega Bwami sculpture – Democratic Republic of the Congo
A radical form, at the heart of African thought and aesthetics.
Property of a seasoned Belgian collector, amassed over many years of collecting.
This Lega sculpture, associated with the Bwami initiatory society, captivates with the power of its stylized silhouette and the radicality of its formal language. The body is deliberately reduced to the essentials: angular volumes, broken lines, a tense and dynamic posture, evoking both movement, vigilance, and introspection. The head, slightly inclined, enhances the expressiveness of the whole and lends the figure an almost abstract presence, with striking modernity.
These sculptures were used as educational and symbolic aids during the Bwami initiation rites, illustrating fundamental moral, social, and philosophical values. The ancient, dark, and nuanced patina testifies to prolonged ritual use, reinforcing the authenticity and spiritual significance of the artwork.
In its sobriety, its balance, and the strength of its abstraction, this piece fully fits within the Lega corpus sought by discerning collectors. A remarkable sculpture, at the boundary between ritual art and modern sculpture, ideal for a demanding collection or a discerning eye for the sources of 20th‑century art.
Introduction to our expertise firm
Based in Belgium, our appraisal and sales house specializes in African and ethnographic art. A leading seller on Catawiki for over 8 years, we enjoy a solid reputation and a track record of several hundred sales with a customer satisfaction rate close to 100%.
We regularly assist with liquidations, estates, and dispersals of collections, in collaboration with individuals and families in Belgium and neighboring countries. Our approach is designed to be rigorous, transparent and accessible, with sales often offered without a reserve price.
Some pieces that have passed through our hands have joined international private collections and, for some, museum institutions.
Shipping insured within 24 hours, with careful packaging, insurance, and tracking.
Contact 7 days a week: we remain available for any questions or requests for additional information.
Details
Indigenous object name
Statuette
Ethnic group/ culture
Lega
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Period
Mid 20th century
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Excellent condition
Height
16 cm
Width
1 cm
Depth
1 cm
Weight
1 g
Provenance
Private collection
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