A tall carved wooden effigy of a standing Katanda figurine that consists of a roughly classic oval head with traditional Bwami mask face covered with kaolin, a long articulated neck, a flat body riddled with holes, short raised arms and outward bent angular legs. According to literature, In Lega thought, sleeping mats (katanda) imply laziness and as well as a sexual promiscuous person (also understood metaphorically as a mat) who spreads disorder in a community. The visual arts of the Lega are used to teach men and women values essential to the continuation of their way of life, and so this figure was carved as a flay MAT like person.The traditional Lega arts are an integral part of the Bwami society, a multi-leveled association that provides political, religious, and social structure for the Lega. The sculpture measures 26.5 inches tall ( 29.75 inches tall on custom display stand) Lega peoples, Congo, Africa.

fair, well handled and worn