Lega Statuette - balega - DR Congo
04
days
10
hours
21
minutes
53
seconds
Starting bid
€ 1
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Julien Gauthier
A decade of experience in historical arms, armour, and African art.
Estimate € 150 - € 200
No bids placed
Catawiki Buyer Protection
Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details
Trustpilot 4.4 | 134841 reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.
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 an anthropomorphic figurine from the Lega culture, a people living mainly in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. These objects are not mere decorations, but essential pedagogical and ritual tools within the Bwami secret society.
The Bwami society is a hierarchical structure that governs the Lega social, political, and moral life. This figurine, often called Iginga, generally belongs to members of the higher ranks (Yananio or Kindi).
Usage: These statuettes serve as visual aids to teach proverbs, moral principles, and codes of conduct during initiation ceremonies.
Signification: Each object embodies a specific character or idea (the sage, the quarrelsome one, the ancestor, etc.).
The Lega style is instantly recognizable for its economy of form and minimalist expressivity:
Face: Typically heart-shaped (cordiform) and slightly concave. The eyes are often represented as "coffee beans" or by simple horizontal incisions, evoking serenity or clairvoyance.
Patina: The piece features a dark, oily, and deep patina. This suggests prolonged use and repeated handling with ritual substances (palm oil, vegetal powders), signaling age and importance.
Body: The limbs are often stylized and shortened. Here one notes a stable posture, with hands resting on the hips or along the body, symbolizing authority and balance.
Necklace: The presence of a small beaded necklace around the neck is an interesting addition. In the Lega context, beads or added elements can signify the figurine’s particular status or be offerings made by its owner.
Material: Although the most prestigious pieces are ivory, wood (as here) is extremely common for intermediate grades or according to region.
Synthesis
This figurine represents the quest for moral perfection. Among the Lega, "what is beautiful is what is good." The simplicity of its lines reflects the clarity of mind that an initiate of Bwami must possess.
Origin. Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Tribe name: Balega
Material: Wood
Dimension: 36 cm
Shipping method: Colissimo within 24-48h; open
This piece is an anthropomorphic figurine from the Lega culture, a people living mainly in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. These objects are not mere decorations, but essential pedagogical and ritual tools within the Bwami secret society.
The Bwami society is a hierarchical structure that governs the Lega social, political, and moral life. This figurine, often called Iginga, generally belongs to members of the higher ranks (Yananio or Kindi).
Usage: These statuettes serve as visual aids to teach proverbs, moral principles, and codes of conduct during initiation ceremonies.
Signification: Each object embodies a specific character or idea (the sage, the quarrelsome one, the ancestor, etc.).
The Lega style is instantly recognizable for its economy of form and minimalist expressivity:
Face: Typically heart-shaped (cordiform) and slightly concave. The eyes are often represented as "coffee beans" or by simple horizontal incisions, evoking serenity or clairvoyance.
Patina: The piece features a dark, oily, and deep patina. This suggests prolonged use and repeated handling with ritual substances (palm oil, vegetal powders), signaling age and importance.
Body: The limbs are often stylized and shortened. Here one notes a stable posture, with hands resting on the hips or along the body, symbolizing authority and balance.
Necklace: The presence of a small beaded necklace around the neck is an interesting addition. In the Lega context, beads or added elements can signify the figurine’s particular status or be offerings made by its owner.
Material: Although the most prestigious pieces are ivory, wood (as here) is extremely common for intermediate grades or according to region.
Synthesis
This figurine represents the quest for moral perfection. Among the Lega, "what is beautiful is what is good." The simplicity of its lines reflects the clarity of mind that an initiate of Bwami must possess.
Details
Number of objects
1
Ethnic group/ culture
balega
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Period
Late 20th century
Material
Wood
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Lega Statuette
Height
36 cm
Sold by
