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Figure (iginga)
probably 1800s
The Cleveland Museum of Art
Cleveland, United States
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.
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Details
- Title: Figure (iginga)
- Date Created: probably 1800s
- Physical Dimensions: Overall: 16.7 x 5.5 x 4.5 cm (6 9/16 x 2 3/16 x 1 3/4 in.)
- Provenance: Charles Ratton, Paris, France, Guy Ladriere, Paris, France, Pierre Dartevelle, Paris, France, The Vranken-Hoet Collection, Brussels, Belgium, The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH by purchase
- Type: Sculpture
- Rights: CC0
- External Link: https://clevelandart.org/art/2005.3
- Medium: Elephant ivory, tukula, and oil
- Department: African Art
- Culture: Africa, Central Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Lega maker
- Credit Line: Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund
- Collection: African Art
- Accession Number: 2005.3
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