Three-dimensional sculpted Lega figures, from eastern Congo, are very rare. They represent important ancestors and are primarily used during initiation rituals.
The present male figure is carved form hard, light brown wood, and was originally dyed black. It depicts a classical, heart-shaped Lega face that cups inwards, and is covered in its entirety with white kaolin clay. With characteristic coffee bean eyes carved in relief, a long, flat nose and a small mouth. The sloping shoulders are broad, with short, stumpy arms that protrude below. There is a vertical line of decorative scars running across the chest and abdomen, down to the accentuated navel. The legs are short and bent, and the relatively large feet are firmly positioned on the ground.
A visibly very old object with some minor superficial cracks due to age, colour scuffing to exposed areas and edges as a result of protracted use, as well as a very good, old shiny patina to all surfaces, which were originally dyed black. A rare piece, in very good condition. Inventory number of a collection, in white lettering, on the left foot on the outside, below.

Dimensions: 30.5 cm x 9 cm x c. 8 cm. Between c. 1900 and the first third of the 20th century. (ME)

Provenance: South African private collection.

Lit.: ‘The Tribal Arts of Africa’ by Jean-Baptiste Bacquart, p. 148. ill. 2; ‘L’art des Lega’, catalogue of the Musée du Quai Branly Paris, ill. 40, 41, 112, 121, 136, 137; ‘Joyaux Lega’ by Benoit Rousseau, ill. 13, 16, 23.