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Figure (iginga)
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.
About this work
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.
Cleveland Museum of Art’s own descriptionCredit lineFigure (iginga), probably 1800s. Africa, Central Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Lega-style maker. Elephant ivory, tukula, and oil; overall: 16.7 x 5.5 x 4.5 cm (6 9/16 x 2 3/16 x 1 3/4 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund, 2005.3
