Anthropomorphic statuette Lega - balega - DR Congo
08
days
03
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27
minutes
30
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Current bid
€ 25
Reserve price not met
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Selected by Julien Gauthier
A decade of experience in historical arms, armour, and African art.
Estimate € 150 - € 200
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Description from the seller
Origin. Democratic Republic of the Congo
Tribe name. Balega
Material. Wood.
Dimension. 39 cm
Mode d'expédition. Colissimo sous 24-48h ouvrez.
This piece is Lega art, a structured society located in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. For the Lega, art is not merely decorative; it is a pedagogical and ritual tool linked to Bwami, a secret society that governs the community's social and moral life.
It is a piece of the Sakimatwematwe type (literally "Mr. Multi-Headed"). These objects with multiple faces symbolize omniscience, wisdom, and the ability of a high-ranking Bwami member to see in all directions, both physically and spiritually.
The aesthetics are typical of the Lega’s “minimalist” and symbolic style:
Faces: They present a concave heart-shaped form, a classic feature of this region. The eyes are often carved as "coffee beans".
Perforations: The small holes or dotted marks on the face are not only decorative; they may represent scarifications or ritual marks.
This piece is particularly rich because it blends several organic elements:
Feathers: Crowning the upper head, they often refer to the world of birds, symbols of the link between earth and sky.
Cowries: These small shells, visible around the lower head, were once used as currency and symbolize wealth, prestige, and the high rank of the owner within Bwami.
The Base: The sculpture rests on a support that evokes the shape of a traditional chiefs’ stool, reinforcing the idea of authority and stability.
Origin. Democratic Republic of the Congo
Tribe name. Balega
Material. Wood.
Dimension. 39 cm
Mode d'expédition. Colissimo sous 24-48h ouvrez.
This piece is Lega art, a structured society located in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. For the Lega, art is not merely decorative; it is a pedagogical and ritual tool linked to Bwami, a secret society that governs the community's social and moral life.
It is a piece of the Sakimatwematwe type (literally "Mr. Multi-Headed"). These objects with multiple faces symbolize omniscience, wisdom, and the ability of a high-ranking Bwami member to see in all directions, both physically and spiritually.
The aesthetics are typical of the Lega’s “minimalist” and symbolic style:
Faces: They present a concave heart-shaped form, a classic feature of this region. The eyes are often carved as "coffee beans".
Perforations: The small holes or dotted marks on the face are not only decorative; they may represent scarifications or ritual marks.
This piece is particularly rich because it blends several organic elements:
Feathers: Crowning the upper head, they often refer to the world of birds, symbols of the link between earth and sky.
Cowries: These small shells, visible around the lower head, were once used as currency and symbolize wealth, prestige, and the high rank of the owner within Bwami.
The Base: The sculpture rests on a support that evokes the shape of a traditional chiefs’ stool, reinforcing the idea of authority and stability.
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
Anthropomorphic statuette Lega
Height
39 cm
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