Small headed sculptures such as this one are a type of figurine which, crafted in ivory, are only owned by members in the highest ranks (‘kindi’) of the Bwami society of the Lega in eastern Congo. These figures play a role in the initiations of young men.
The present ivory sculpture is particularly attractive and carefully crafted. The head displays a typical heart-shaped face that cups towards the middle, with relief eyes, here round (with dot-in-circle motifs), as well as a long, flat nose and a small mouth. The figure’s round neck and body are retracted at the bottom by two encircling rings. The figure’s chest and the bulge below (probably designed to be the ‘abdomen’) feature decoration in the form of dot-in-circle motifs. A magnificent example of this type of small Lega sculpture. The ivory has some slight vertical cracks due to age and an excellent, slightly speckled patina that ranges from honey-coloured to reddish. There is an inventory number from a collection, in white letters, on the bottom right of the base ring.
Height: 11 cm; diameter: c. 3.3 cm (base ring below). (ME) ASA

Provenance: South African private collection.

Lit.: ‘L’art des Lega’, catalogue of the Musée du Quai Branly Paris, ill. 114, 115, 117; ‘Joyaux Lega’ by Benoit Rousseau, ill. 36, 39, 40, 41.