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Lega human figure - Iginga (?), Democratic Republic of the Congo
11.5" tall (13" tall including feathers)
wood, pigment
$500
In their traditional context, Lega wooden figures are used in performances of the Bwami society to teach moral values, good and
bad.
"Wood and ivory figures have a wide range of style and quality in the carving. The member of the Bwami society who needed a
sculpture carved would give the artist the requirements for the statue and the artist would have a great deal of artistic freedom
in determining the final appearance of the object. Many figures have a varied degree of form and style, and unless the original
context of the object was known it is impossible to determine it’s specific use or function." From - Art of the Lega by Elisabeth Lynn
Cameron
I believe this figure was carved by a Lega carver and most likely dates from the 70's - 80's. Despite its appearance, I believe this
object was made specifically for the collecting market.
Additional information and examples can be found on the Lega figures page of Rand African Art.
Recommended reading: Art of the Lega by Elisabeth Lynn Cameron, University of California Los Angeles, Fowler; illustrated
edition (November 2001).
11.5" tall (13" tall including feathers)
wood, pigment
$500
In their traditional context, Lega wooden figures are used in performances of the Bwami society to teach moral values, good and
bad.
"Wood and ivory figures have a wide range of style and quality in the carving. The member of the Bwami society who needed a
sculpture carved would give the artist the requirements for the statue and the artist would have a great deal of artistic freedom
in determining the final appearance of the object. Many figures have a varied degree of form and style, and unless the original
context of the object was known it is impossible to determine it’s specific use or function." From - Art of the Lega by Elisabeth Lynn
Cameron
I believe this figure was carved by a Lega carver and most likely dates from the 70's - 80's. Despite its appearance, I believe this
object was made specifically for the collecting market.
Additional information and examples can be found on the Lega figures page of Rand African Art.
Recommended reading: Art of the Lega by Elisabeth Lynn Cameron, University of California Los Angeles, Fowler; illustrated
edition (November 2001).
