Showrooms

Bwami Initiation Statue, Lega People, First Half of the 20th Century

Offered by: Kulik Selzer

Description
The smooth, dark patina of this small, carefully shaped, male, wooden initiation statue from the first half of the 20th century, by the Lega people of the Democratic Republic of Congo, reflects the physical and moral beauty to which initiates aspire. Members of Lega society, who live in small autonomous villages in the forests, learn morals, skills and wisdom by joining a semi-secret initiatory society known as ‘Bwami’, in which figurines such as this are used alongside ritual, dance, song and proverbs to impart lessons appropriate to the different levels of Bwami to which they belong. These human figurines in particular would be closely connected to a proverb in Lega society, the faces often abstracted and decoratively whitened with the white silicate clay ‘Kaolin’, as this one has been.

Location:
The Gallery 200 Lex New York

More Information

Dimensions

Message from Seller:

This revolutionary space showcases over 50 of the finest antique and vintage dealers, who present an extraordinary mix of antique, vintage, and 21st Century finds – furniture, accessories, lighting, fine art, and fine jewelry. We are an all-inclusive design resource for both designers and consumers THE GALLERY AT 200 LEX: MONDAY – FRIDAY 9:30 AM – 5:30PM FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 646-293-6633 OR EMAIL THEGALLERY@NYDC.COM

AVAILABLE AT:

The Gallery at 200 LEX