Lega statue - DR Congo (No reserve price)
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€ 25
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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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The wooden statue titled “Statue lega” from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, belonging to the Lega (Balega) people, dating to the late 20th century, about 40 cm tall, in excellent condition.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Origin. Democratic Republic of the Congo
Tribe name. Balega
Material. Wood
Dimension. 40 cm
Mode of shipment. Colissimo within 24-48h open
The piece presented is a wood sculpture of Lega art (Democratic Republic of the Congo). It is an anthropomorphic figure complex characterized by a multi-facetted structure.
Structure: The sculpture features a dominant main face at the lower part, topped by an element composed of two other lateral faces oriented outward. This form evokes sakimatwematwe-type figures ("many heads"), which are emblematic of Lega culture and often symbolize the multiplicity of viewpoints, wisdom, or philosophical concepts related to the Bwami initiatory system.
Aesthetic style: The faces are carved in the classic Lega style: clean lines, eyes in the shape of horizontal slits, and a inverted heart shape highlighting the cheekbones and chin.
Details: At the top of the structure, a kind of headdress or ornament in natural fibers is visible, fixed between the two upper faces. The base of the piece is wide and rounded, ensuring the sculpture's stability.
This type of object was generally used as a rank insignia within the Bwami society, a social and political institution that governed Lega life by transmitting moral and ethical values through carved objects.
Origin. Democratic Republic of the Congo
Tribe name. Balega
Material. Wood
Dimension. 40 cm
Mode of shipment. Colissimo within 24-48h open
The piece presented is a wood sculpture of Lega art (Democratic Republic of the Congo). It is an anthropomorphic figure complex characterized by a multi-facetted structure.
Structure: The sculpture features a dominant main face at the lower part, topped by an element composed of two other lateral faces oriented outward. This form evokes sakimatwematwe-type figures ("many heads"), which are emblematic of Lega culture and often symbolize the multiplicity of viewpoints, wisdom, or philosophical concepts related to the Bwami initiatory system.
Aesthetic style: The faces are carved in the classic Lega style: clean lines, eyes in the shape of horizontal slits, and a inverted heart shape highlighting the cheekbones and chin.
Details: At the top of the structure, a kind of headdress or ornament in natural fibers is visible, fixed between the two upper faces. The base of the piece is wide and rounded, ensuring the sculpture's stability.
This type of object was generally used as a rank insignia within the Bwami society, a social and political institution that governed Lega life by transmitting moral and ethical values through carved objects.
Details
Number of objects
1
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Period
Late 20th century
Material
Wood
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Excellent condition
Title of artwork
Lega statue
Height
40 cm
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