Figure (iginga)
1800–1899
- Medium
- Elephant ivory, tukula, and oil
- Dimensions
- Overall: 16.7 x 5.5 x 4.5 cm (6 9/16 x 2 3/16 x 1 3/4 in.)
- Genre
- sculpture
- Museum
- Cleveland Museum of Art
Styles
Tags
Africa, Central Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Lega-style maker
About
The life of Lega men and women is structured around their advancement through the different grades of the Bwami association. Fulfilling political, social, religious, and other roles, the members’ ultimate purpose is the pursuit of wisdom and excellence. Ivory figurines were reserved for members of the two highest Bwami grades, in which the core of the Lega’s moral philosophy is revealed.