Lega (Democratic Republic of Congo). Standing Figure. Bone. Height: 6 ½ inches Width: 1 7/8 inches Depth: 2 inches. Of t...

Description

Lega (Democratic Republic of Congo)
Standing Figure
Bone
Height: 6 ½ inches Width: 1 7/8 inches Depth: 2 inches

Of the numerous Lega figures now in Western collections, only those whose meaning and function were recorded from the Lega owner can be exactly identified. All were used within the formerly over-arching context of the Bwami Society, and were originally commissioned by Bwami members. "A Bwami member in need of a figure approached an artist, specifying minimal requirements: material (wood, bone, or ivory) and a brief description (male, female, size, and general position ...). As a result the artist had great freedom in carving the work while rarely knowing its intended use" (Elizabeth L. Cameron. Art of the Lega. Los Angeles: UCLA Fowler Museum of Cultural History, 2001, p.120). The condition of this figure is very good.

Provenance:
Marc Leo Felix, Belgium
Dr. Jay T. Last, Los Angeles, 1992
John Buxton, Dallas



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