Such large figures belong to the ‘treasure’ of high-ranking members of the ‘Bwami society’ of the Lega, in eastern Congo, and played a role during the instruction of young members of the society, as well as during their initiation. The present, rare, large, female was carved out of lightweight, light-coloured wood and coloured black and brown. It displays a characteristic, heart-shaped Lega face, bulging on the inside, with rectangular coffee bean eyes, long, narrow nose, rectangular mouth with sketched rows of teeth, as well as with angular chin. The typical heart-shaped face is covered with white kaolin. On the back, above the high forehead and down to both cheeks, the head displays a ‘hairstyle’ of grey monkey fur. The figure has a proportionally long, teardrop shaped body, long, bent legs and only one short left arm. The short, bent arm runs from the ‘hanging’ left shoulder to the front, and its hand with four fingers lies freely under the chin of this unusually large Lega sculpture. A rare Lega object with only one area of loss in the glued-on monkey fur of the ‘hairstyle’ on the back, as well as with noticeable colour scuffing due to age on the exposed surfaces and edges. Otherwise there is no significant damage. Overall with beautiful shiny patina, through protracted use. There is a collection inventory number, in white letters, on the left foot at the outside.
Height: 47 cm; width: c. 13 cm.
First third of the 20th century. (ME)

Provenance:
South African private collection.