Anthropomorphic figure "iginga" (pl. "maginga") ·  D. R. Congo, Lega · ID: 3048566

Description

ivory, base

The social and spiritual life of the Lega is governed by the “bwami” society. Within the association there are five initiation levels, or societies, which every man must pass through in order to be considered a fully initiated member of the community in the teachings and traditions of the people.

Each initiation society has its own objects and sculptures “isengo” (pl. “masengo”) that serve to convey the teachings and moral concepts of “bwami”.

These include the small “iginga” ivory figurines. They are owned by the highest initiation level of the “bwami”, the “kindi” society, and belong to members of “lutumbo lwa kindi”.

Comparing literature

Felix, Marc L. (ed.), White gold, black hands, Vol. 6, Brussels 2013, p. 194, fig. 34 f.

Notices

This object is subject to CITES. Please note that it can only be sent within the European Union. At the present time export in third countries is prohibited, respectively, export licenses in third countries for objects containing or made of protected materials are only granted under stringent conditions.