Among the Lega, in eastern Congo, all initiate-members of the Bwami Society wear prescribed necklaces. Which type of necklace may and must be worn by a new member, or by a member transitioning to a higher rank, is determined by several of these elder men who carry out the initiations. Later, the necklaces may also be worn by the wives of the initiates. The present necklace must have been commissioned for an initiate very high up on the social ladder — for a prince, or a chieftain’s son. The chain consists of alternating smaller and larger white bone discs, which would have come ostensibly from a prized hunted animal (possibly an elephant). Punctuating the rows of bone discs are four polished pearls of red-yellow amber (potentially pressed amber). Strung through a piercing at its back is a centrally hung ivory pendant — rectangular, with rounded corners. The front side of the pendant presents a very fine carving in relief representing a large, star-shaped ‘sun symbol’ with 14 spikes. All upon a background made of miniature rectangular hatchings and an elegant trim. The reverse of the ivory pendant is smooth and pierced. The pendant’s ivory is visibly very old. It evinces good natural, honey-yellow patina, alongside gentle age-related tears. This pretty ornament is overall a rare find, remarkably undamaged. L: L: c. 27 cm (length of the chain in total); dimensions of the ivory pendant: 5.2 cm x 5.2 cm. First third of the 20th century. (ME) ASA

Provenance: On the consignor’s account, acquired in the village of Kasambula, Maniema province. English Private Collection.