Multi-headed and multi-faced figures, such as the present one, whether made of ivory (concerning ivory figures in general, see also cat. no. 117) or carved of wood, occur very infrequently amongst the Lega, in eastern Congo, and had a special meaning: they belong to a ‘hunting charm’ that the priests of the Lega community and its ‘Bwami’ league carried out, and they were supposed to bring fortune in the hunt. Especially in hunting elephants, the largest and most prestigious game hunted by the Lega. The three heads and three faces of this figure express this idea perfectly: the successful hunter must be alert and must see everywhere, forwards and to all sides. This is ‘stated’ by the three faces with their large eyes. And the hunter should have an overview of everything from high above, so that he can even spot an elephant on the opposite river bank. This is signified by the third head, extending far above the figure. The present, small ivory figure of a three-headed ‘hunting goddess’ shows this clearly: all three heads have typical Lega faces, heart-shaped and bulging on the inside.
Especially accentuated here are the large, deep-set eyes of the hunter that should be able to see everything. With the remains of white kaolin. On its abdomen the ‘hunt goddess’ displays a lozenge-shaped relief of decorative scarification marks. Her hips are wide, the legs short and the toes are indicated on the sides of her feet. The figure is pierced from the underside. Here the priest probably filled the figure with ‘magic material’, so that the ‘hunt goddess’ can apply all her ‘power’ for the fortune in hunting of the Lega hunters. In spite of its small size, this ivory figure is perfect and carefully crafted. All its edges are rounded and ‘softly’ worn as a result of protracted use, and they display an excellent, old, shiny patina, varying in patches, from very light to dark brown, as is usual for old ivory. In excellent condition, no damage. There is a collection inventory number, in white letters, on the left leg behind.
Height: c. 12 cm; width: 3.5 cm.
About 1900 or earlier. (ME) ASA

Provenance:
South African private collection.

Lit.:
‘L’art des Lega’, catalogue Musée du Quai Branly Paris, ill. 3, 11, 12, 133, 134.