Figure janus "katanda"
R. D. Congo, Lega
Vendu
6 000 €
Provenance
Father Lay, “The White Fathers” (“Pères Blancs”), brought to Europe between 1864-1872 (according to pre-owner)Taille
H: 24 cm
H: 9.4 inch
Description
wood, softly luminous light brown patina, remains of kaolin, flat armless body rising from zigzag-legs, both sides identically formed, slightly dam., base.
Present figures were used in high-level initiation ceremonies of the “bwami” society to teach a highly developed code of ethics and morals that formed the base of Lega social order.
The term “katanda”, literally “sleeping mat”, in Lega thought implies laziness and sexual laxity. An often-used Lega metaphor compares a swarm of red ants “katanda ke ibazi” to a mat. When “katanda” is personified, as is the case here, it should remind men and women likewise, that a sexually promiscuous person spreads disorder in a community in the same way that red ants can besiege a town.