Lega Mugugundu figure
Rare African Lega Mugugundu wooden statuette probably representing a pangolin.
Lega and nature
Through observation, the Lega have become extremely familiar with the animal world around them, displaying a profound knowledge of the physical traits and behaviors of many species.
As we have already mentioned, the initiates of the Kindi call themselves Bakinsamba ("people of the elephant's tail").
As for members of other grades of the Bwami, they often take the name of an animal in order to appropriate its most sought-after traits.
The Lega also use animals in their teaching, for the "cord of wisdom", but also in the metaphors of the Bwami.
These animals are represented through people who imitate them in all sorts of ways: by part of their anatomy (beak, claw or tooth); by assemblies of sticks; by sculptures in wood or ivory executed by an artist.
Typology of animal figures
There are two types of zoomorphic sculptures: generic figurines, which represent four-legged animals, and specific animal figurines.
Only members of the Bwami of a high rank possess these two types of figurines.
The members of the Yananio, who own the generic wooden figurines, consider them to be the symbol of continuity from one generation of the Bwami to the next.
During the ceremonies, the members of the brotherhood use these generic objects in sets to essentially represent dogs, pangolins or antelopes.
Sometimes, one or more objects are attached to it in order to better indicate the identity of the figurine.
A bell such as one sees on a dog's collar, for example, can sometimes be attached to a generic figure to suggest a dog.
Depending on the needs of the scenario, a figurine can set off in pursuit of another: a dog chasing an antelope, for example.
Members of the Lutumbo Iwa Kindi each individually own generic ivory animal figurines.
02302
Data sheet
- Presumed dating
- Mid XXth century
- Size
- 8 x 21 cm
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood
- Country
- Origin
- Tribal art collection Belgium
- Condition
- Excellent
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Rare African Lega Mugugundu wooden statuette probably representing a pangolin.
Lega and nature
Through observation, the Lega have become extremely familiar with the animal world around them, displaying a profound knowledge of the physical traits and behaviors of many species.
As we have already mentioned, the initiates of the Kindi call themselves Bakinsamba ("people of the elephant's tail").
As for members of other grades of the Bwami, they often take the name of an animal in order to appropriate its most sought-after traits.
The Lega also use animals in their teaching, for the "cord of wisdom", but also in the metaphors of the Bwami.
These animals are represented through people who imitate them in all sorts of ways: by part of their anatomy (beak, claw or tooth); by assemblies of sticks; by sculptures in wood or ivory executed by an artist.
Typology of animal figures
There are two types of zoomorphic sculptures: generic figurines, which represent four-legged animals, and specific animal figurines.
Only members of the Bwami of a high rank possess these two types of figurines.
The members of the Yananio, who own the generic wooden figurines, consider them to be the symbol of continuity from one generation of the Bwami to the next.
During the ceremonies, the members of the brotherhood use these generic objects in sets to essentially represent dogs, pangolins or antelopes.
Sometimes, one or more objects are attached to it in order to better indicate the identity of the figurine.
A bell such as one sees on a dog's collar, for example, can sometimes be attached to a generic figure to suggest a dog.
Depending on the needs of the scenario, a figurine can set off in pursuit of another: a dog chasing an antelope, for example.
Members of the Lutumbo Iwa Kindi each individually own generic ivory animal figurines.