A Lega Figure...

Description

A Lega Figure
Democratic Republic of Congo, c. 1900

A superb rendering of a figure given to a member of the Lega men's age group (Bwami) upon the completion of an initiation. The figure would be kept by the Bwami member and it was required to be present at all important meetings of the society. The figure stands leaning slightly forward on flexed legs, it has a bulbous body tapering toward the head. The face is covered with white kaolin and some animal hide at top for hair. The head projects a little out from the body and is tilted slightly to the left, making the sculpture animated and dynamic. The expression on the long face is particularly arresting, with the eyes half closed and the mouth partly open. In excellent condition, the body rubbed and polished from extensive native use; a hairline crack down the back. With a wood base.

Provenance:
A Private Collection, New York, NY, acquired in 1994
Helene and Philippe Leloup, Paris
Joseph Herman Collection, London, UK, 1960s

Exhibited:
"Miniature African Sculptures from the Herman Collection"
Durham: DLI Museum and Art Centre, 11 May - 16 June 1985
Bristol: City of Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, 22 June - 27 July 1985
Swansea: Glynn Vivian Art Gallery and Museum, 3 August - 7 September 1985
Sheffield: Graves Art Gallery, 14 September - 20 October 1985
Coventry: Herbert Art Gallery, 26 October - 1 December 1985

Published:
Biebuyck, Daniel, La Sculpture des Lega, Galeries Helene et Philippe Leloup, Paris, 1994, pages 122-123, figure 34.
Waterfield, Hermione, Miniature Sculptures from the Herman Collection, Arts Council of Great Britain, London, 1985, illustrated on the cover and catalog number 26.

Height: 9 inches

More Information: In overall excellent condition. The body rubbed and polished from extensive native use creating a glossy patina. A crack down the back of the head and through the torso approximately 6.25 inches total. Another small crack on proper right heel. Another very faint superficial crack (?) through proper right side of torso. Kaolin with loss. Fur hair intact. No apparent restoration.


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