Lega Iginga figure
The initiatory objects of the Bwami
This African statuette slumped on itself, leaning on its knees, bent back, squatting position, is part of the iginga category among the figurines used by initiates of the bwami society. This is a piece very similar to the one reference RG55.3.150.H (MRAC) collected by D. Biebuyck in 1952. The latter links it to the highest grade: lutumbo lwa kindi. This figurine was used at the same time as many other sculptures in the rites of musagi wa kindi.
This iginga statuette is linked to the aphorism "the dear old man who has seen many sacred initiatic objects advance bent under their weight". It therefore refers to an elderly initiate, physically weak, but who was the witness, on the one hand, of many initiations (his own and those in which he participated as a guest), and on the other hand of rites which he took part in. entrusted and supervised as guardian and godfather of relatives near and distant, including his activities and duties as "grave keeper" of a deceased relative of high rank.
01560
Data sheet
- Size
- 21,5 cm
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood
- Country
- Condition
- Excellent
The initiatory objects of the Bwami
This African statuette slumped on itself, leaning on its knees, bent back, squatting position, is part of the iginga category among the figurines used by initiates of the bwami society. This is a piece very similar to the one reference RG55.3.150.H (MRAC) collected by D. Biebuyck in 1952. The latter links it to the highest grade: lutumbo lwa kindi. This figurine was used at the same time as many other sculptures in the rites of musagi wa kindi.
This iginga statuette is linked to the aphorism "the dear old man who has seen many sacred initiatic objects advance bent under their weight". It therefore refers to an elderly initiate, physically weak, but who was the witness, on the one hand, of many initiations (his own and those in which he participated as a guest), and on the other hand of rites which he took part in. entrusted and supervised as guardian and godfather of relatives near and distant, including his activities and duties as "grave keeper" of a deceased relative of high rank.