This is the rating and price for 19Th C. African Lega Bwami Wood Figure - Iginga

Description : Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Lega peoples, Bwami society, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. A rare and remarkable hand-carved wood figure known as an iginga - a generic Lega term for human figurines owned by the highest-ranking members of the Bwami. Enveloped in a lustrous hue of mocha, the female figure stands atop thick, slightly bent legs, displaying wide hips, a slender torso, broad shoulders, and a sizeable head. She bends her arms at the elbows in order to place her hands together at her chest as she gazes forward, presenting an expressive visage of ovoid eyes with incised pupils, a straight nose, full lips held slightly parted, and a pointed chin. Note the liberal remains of white pigment that further adorn the figure's face and torso! Size: 4.9 W x 10.2 H (12.4 cm x 25.9 cm), 11.2 H (28.4 cm) on included custom stand. According to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, In the forests of the Democratic Republic of the Congo art is created primarily for semisecret associations of men and women, such as the Bwami society of the Lega peoples. The teachings of Bwami permeate all aspects of life, guiding the moral development of the individual and governing relations with others. Bwami doctrine is represented by wood and ivory masks, heads, and small figures, all of which play a vital role during initiation into the society's highest grades. Although simple in form, these carved objects embody complex and multiple meanings, elaborated through proverbs, skits, and dances. For the Lega, physical beauty and moral excellence are inseparable. The smooth polished surfaces of these sculptures allude to the refined and perfected nature of the Bwami initiate. Provenance: private Jersey City, New Jersey, USA collection, ex-Marc Assayag, Montreal, Quebec, Canada All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm. Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping. #169906
Price: 1 566.00 USD It's free to register now to view!
Estimate (low-high) : 2400 USD-3600 USD It's free to register now to view!

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