Necklace "mubanga" ·  D. R. Congo, Lega · ID: 3034262

Description

blue and white glass beads of different size, thread on plant fibre bast, eighteen animal teeth inbetween, an ivory pendant in form of a stylized half figure attached in the middle, min. dam., cracks through age, slight traces of abrasion;
the beaded necklace with one, two or an indefinite number of leopard teeth is a privilege of all initiates. It belongs to the “bwami” insignia (“bilondo”), public proclamations of rank and status within the “bwami” society.

Comparing literature

Cameron, Elisabeth L., Art of the Lega, Los Angeles 2001, p. 70