Rare head sculpture "wabalenga" - "wankenge"
Description
ivory, mass, cowrie snails,
This type of sculpture, which was the property of the “bwami” male society, is extremely rare. One of the few known examples published by Biebuyck (2002), p. 132, cat.71 (AHDRC 0026455).
The hierarchically organized “bwami” society regulated the political and social life of the Lega. Within the “bwami” the members had to go through different stages of initiation. The highest rank was the “kindi” level, which was associated with the highest degree of authority and prestige.
Present object shows an anthropomorphic head on a four-legged stool with elephant feet. Biebuyck interprets this depiction as “wabalenga” (lit. “who surpasses them”), as a personified appearance of a “kindi” with outstanding power and influence. Only with the support of a person of this superior stature can one hope to go through the entire system of initiations.
Comparing literature
Biebuyck, Daniel P., Lega, Brussels 2002, p. 132, cat.71Notices
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.