Figurine - Lega amulet - Wood

06
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Current bid
€ 65
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Julien Gauthier
Expert
Selected by Julien Gauthier

A decade of experience in historical arms, armour, and African art.

Estimate  € 900 - € 1,000
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PT
€65

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Lega amulet, a wooden sculpture from the Congo by the Lega people, dating to 1850–1900, in good used condition with minor signs of age, sold with stand, provenance: old American collection.

AI-assisted summary

Description from the seller

In the forests of the Democratic Republic of the Congo art is created primarily for semisecret associations of men and women, such as the Bwami society of the Lega peoples. The teachings of Bwami permeate all aspects of life, guiding the moral development of the individual and governing relations with others. Bwami doctrine is represented by wood and ivory masks, heads, and small figures, all of which play a vital role during initiation into the society's highest grades. Although simple in form, these carved objects embody complex and multiple meanings, elaborated through proverbs, skits, and dances. For the Lega, physical beauty and moral excellence are inseparable. The smooth polished surfaces of these sculptures allude to the refined and perfected nature of the Bwami initiate.

Provenance: old american collection

Seller's Story

Experts in Ancient African Art
Translated by Google Translate

In the forests of the Democratic Republic of the Congo art is created primarily for semisecret associations of men and women, such as the Bwami society of the Lega peoples. The teachings of Bwami permeate all aspects of life, guiding the moral development of the individual and governing relations with others. Bwami doctrine is represented by wood and ivory masks, heads, and small figures, all of which play a vital role during initiation into the society's highest grades. Although simple in form, these carved objects embody complex and multiple meanings, elaborated through proverbs, skits, and dances. For the Lega, physical beauty and moral excellence are inseparable. The smooth polished surfaces of these sculptures allude to the refined and perfected nature of the Bwami initiate.

Provenance: old american collection

Seller's Story

Experts in Ancient African Art
Translated by Google Translate

Details

Era
1400-1900
Title
Lega amulet
Country of origin
Congo
Material
Wood
Ethnic group/culture
binds
Sold with stand
Yes
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes
Height
12 cm
Width
3 cm
Depth
2.5 cm
Estimated period
1850-1900
SpainVerified
319
Objects sold
100%
pro

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