Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Lega peoples, Bwami society, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. A rare and remarkable hand-carved wood figure known as an iginga - a generic Lega term for human figurines owned by the highest-ranking members of the Bwami. Enveloped in a lustrous hue of mocha, the female figure stands atop thick, slightly bent legs, displaying wide hips, a slender torso, broad shoulders, and a sizeable head. She bends her arms at the elbows in order to place her hands together at her chest as she gazes forward, presenting an expressive visage of ovoid eyes with incised pupils, a straight nose, full lips held slightly parted, and a pointed chin. Note the liberal remains of white pigment that further adorn the figure's face and torso! Size: 4.9" W x 10.2" H (12.4 cm x 25.9 cm); 11.2" H (28.4 cm) on included custom stand.

According to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, "In the forests of the Democratic Republic of the Congo art is created primarily for semisecret associations of men and women, such as the Bwami society of the Lega peoples. The teachings of Bwami permeate all aspects of life, guiding the moral development of the individual and governing relations with others. Bwami doctrine is represented by wood and ivory masks, heads, and small figures, all of which play a vital role during initiation into the society's highest grades. Although simple in form, these carved objects embody complex and multiple meanings, elaborated through proverbs, skits, and dances. For the Lega, physical beauty and moral excellence are inseparable. The smooth polished surfaces of these sculptures allude to the refined and perfected nature of the Bwami initiate."

Provenance: private Jersey City, New Jersey, USA collection; ex-Marc Assayag, Montreal, Quebec, Canada

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#169906

Right arm broken at shoulder. Several fissures throughout. Chipping with minor losses to body and top of head. Nicks and abrasions in areas. Otherwise, nice with great patina and liberal remains of pigment.