Katanda figure of the Bwami Lega - SOLD OUT
African Art: Katanda Figure related to Bwami
Literally, katanda is the term for a mat, but it is also a metaphor for the dispersal of red ants (the bursting of endless columns of mabari ants when they encounter obstacles or sources of food). This is why the term evokes evil and danger.
If we personify Katanda, in this case, we are referring to a bad person (man or woman). The image reminds high-ranking initiated women, united for life by the bonds of marriage to their kindi husbands, that one expects from them the reserve in all and that severe sanctions are inflicted on those who break the moral prohibitions . The character also refers to a seducer who, initiated high rank, causes a serious disturbance within the group.
This type of statuette is related to the initiatory society of the Bwami among the Lega (Warega). The tribal art Lega focuses mainly around the Bwami. There are many statuettes, statues, masks, wooden objects, ivory, bone. Here, cowries are fixed on the torso of the figurine.
27 x 9 cm
00173
Data sheet
- Presumed dating
- Mid XXth century
- Size
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood
- Country
- Origin
- Tribal art collection Belgium
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African Art: Katanda Figure related to Bwami
Literally, katanda is the term for a mat, but it is also a metaphor for the dispersal of red ants (the bursting of endless columns of mabari ants when they encounter obstacles or sources of food). This is why the term evokes evil and danger.
If we personify Katanda, in this case, we are referring to a bad person (man or woman). The image reminds high-ranking initiated women, united for life by the bonds of marriage to their kindi husbands, that one expects from them the reserve in all and that severe sanctions are inflicted on those who break the moral prohibitions . The character also refers to a seducer who, initiated high rank, causes a serious disturbance within the group.
This type of statuette is related to the initiatory society of the Bwami among the Lega (Warega). The tribal art Lega focuses mainly around the Bwami. There are many statuettes, statues, masks, wooden objects, ivory, bone. Here, cowries are fixed on the torso of the figurine.
27 x 9 cm