Lega Sakimatwematwe figure
€990.00
Elegant Lega anthropomorphic figure of the Sakimatwematwe type, carved from wood with a rich glossy honey-brown patina. Measuring 19 cm in height, it is characterized by an elongated silhouette, an ovoid head with deliberately simplified features, long arms resting against the body and strongly modelled legs. A number of small incised circular motifs decorate the face and arms.
Within Lega culture, Sakimatwematwe figures belong to the initiatory world of Bwami, the graded association through which moral, social and political values were transmitted. The name is generally associated with the idea of “many heads” or multiple perception, evoking a high-ranking initiate capable of seeing what others cannot, understanding different viewpoints and exercising wisdom and judgment. Bwami objects functioned as visual proverb-images, whose meanings were progressively revealed during initiation.
Through its abstraction, pronounced verticality and highly polished surface, this example expresses the distinctive Lega aesthetic, in which formal simplicity may conceal complex initiatory meanings. Sculptures associated with Bwami were connected with the highest grades of the association and were used to convey ideals such as restraint, respect, moderation and wisdom.
Shipping fees
02789
Data sheet
- Presumed dating
- Mid XXth century
- Size
- 19 cm
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Bone
- Country
- Origin
- Antika Gallery - A. Mbungu Mbuka Collection, Kinshasa
- Condition
- Excellent
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Elegant Lega anthropomorphic figure of the Sakimatwematwe type, carved from wood with a rich glossy honey-brown patina. Measuring 19 cm in height, it is characterized by an elongated silhouette, an ovoid head with deliberately simplified features, long arms resting against the body and strongly modelled legs. A number of small incised circular motifs decorate the face and arms.
Within Lega culture, Sakimatwematwe figures belong to the initiatory world of Bwami, the graded association through which moral, social and political values were transmitted. The name is generally associated with the idea of “many heads” or multiple perception, evoking a high-ranking initiate capable of seeing what others cannot, understanding different viewpoints and exercising wisdom and judgment. Bwami objects functioned as visual proverb-images, whose meanings were progressively revealed during initiation.
Through its abstraction, pronounced verticality and highly polished surface, this example expresses the distinctive Lega aesthetic, in which formal simplicity may conceal complex initiatory meanings. Sculptures associated with Bwami were connected with the highest grades of the association and were used to convey ideals such as restraint, respect, moderation and wisdom.