Cleveland Museum of Art

Figure (iginga)

Date

probably 1800s

Medium

Elephant ivory, tukula, and oil

Culture

Africa, Central Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Lega-style maker

Department

African Art

Institution

Cleveland Museum of Art

The life of Lega men and women is structured around their advancement through the different grades of the Bwami association. Fulfilling political, social, religious, and other roles, the members’ ultimate purpose is the pursuit of wisdom and excellence. Ivory figurines were reserved for members of the two highest Bwami grades, in which the core of the Lega’s moral philosophy is revealed. The dark surface (patina) of this sculpture comes from years of handling and the application of oil and a red powder called tukula ; it was originally cream-colored!

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