Lega Statuette - DR Congo
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Current bid
€ 50
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Selected by Julien Gauthier
A decade of experience in historical arms, armour, and African art.
Estimate € 150 - € 200
15 other people are watching this object
 | €50 | |
|---|---|---|
| €45 | |
| €40 | |
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Statuette Lega, a wooden sculpture from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, 36 cm tall, in good condition, authentic, titled “Statuette Lega” and not sold with a stand.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Origin: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Tribe name: Balega
Material: Wood
Dimension: 36 cm
Shipping method: Colissimo within 24-48h open
This piece is a Sakimatwematwe sculpture (literally “Mr. Multi-Head”), a prestigious ritual object belonging to Lega culture, located in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Structure Multi-Faces: The sculpture features several faces (usually two or four) oriented in different directions. Here, one main face is at the base of the neck and two faces at the top, carved back-to-back.
Aesthetic of the Face: The faces are typical of the Lega style: heart-shaped, slightly concave, with eyes that resemble coffee beans and a fine, straight nose.
Materials and Patina: It appears to be carved in wood (or sometimes bone/ivory for high ranks). The surface shows a two-tone patina: a dark brown for the body and a white kaolin coating on the faces, symbolizing purity, clarity and the spiritual world.
Details: Notable are small scarification holes on the cheeks and, at the top, remnants of plant fibers or animal hairs that formerly served as a headdress.
This piece is not mere decoration; it is a teaching tool used within Bwami society, a hierarchical structure that governs the social, political and moral life of the Lega.
Grade of the initiate: Multi-headed objects like this are generally reserved for members of the highest grade, the Kindi.
Symbolism: The name Sakimatwematwe illustrates the elder’s ability to see in all directions. It represents omniscience, vigilance and the wisdom of the initiate who can judge a situation from every angle.
During initiation ceremonies, these statuettes are displayed on dance mats. The initiates manipulate them to illustrate proverbs and moral lessons. They serve as a bridge between the world of ancestors and that of the living, reminding Bwami members of the virtues of temperance, justice and knowledge.
In summary: It is a powerful work that embodies Lega philosophy, where plastic beauty is inseparable from moral perfection and collective wisdom.
Origin: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Tribe name: Balega
Material: Wood
Dimension: 36 cm
Shipping method: Colissimo within 24-48h open
This piece is a Sakimatwematwe sculpture (literally “Mr. Multi-Head”), a prestigious ritual object belonging to Lega culture, located in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Structure Multi-Faces: The sculpture features several faces (usually two or four) oriented in different directions. Here, one main face is at the base of the neck and two faces at the top, carved back-to-back.
Aesthetic of the Face: The faces are typical of the Lega style: heart-shaped, slightly concave, with eyes that resemble coffee beans and a fine, straight nose.
Materials and Patina: It appears to be carved in wood (or sometimes bone/ivory for high ranks). The surface shows a two-tone patina: a dark brown for the body and a white kaolin coating on the faces, symbolizing purity, clarity and the spiritual world.
Details: Notable are small scarification holes on the cheeks and, at the top, remnants of plant fibers or animal hairs that formerly served as a headdress.
This piece is not mere decoration; it is a teaching tool used within Bwami society, a hierarchical structure that governs the social, political and moral life of the Lega.
Grade of the initiate: Multi-headed objects like this are generally reserved for members of the highest grade, the Kindi.
Symbolism: The name Sakimatwematwe illustrates the elder’s ability to see in all directions. It represents omniscience, vigilance and the wisdom of the initiate who can judge a situation from every angle.
During initiation ceremonies, these statuettes are displayed on dance mats. The initiates manipulate them to illustrate proverbs and moral lessons. They serve as a bridge between the world of ancestors and that of the living, reminding Bwami members of the virtues of temperance, justice and knowledge.
In summary: It is a powerful work that embodies Lega philosophy, where plastic beauty is inseparable from moral perfection and collective wisdom.
Details
Number of objects
1
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Material
Wood
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Lega Statuette
Height
36 cm
Authenticity
Original/official
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