Figure (Iginga)
late 19th or early 20th century
Lega
Arts of Africa
Iginga is a generic Lega term for human figurines owned by the highest-ranking members of Bwami. This example most likely served to mark the right of a specific Lega community to hold higher-level initiation rites. The piece has been cleaned, oiled, and rubbed with white powder many times, giving it a rich patina.
- Maker/Artist
- Lega
- Classification
- Sculpture
- Formatted Medium
- Wood, plastic beads
- Locations
- Place made: South Kivu or Maniema Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Dimensions
- 11 x 3 3/4 x 2 1/2 in. (27.9 x 9.5 x 6.4 cm) Base: 4 x 3 1/4 x 1/4 in. (10.2 x 8.3 x 0.6 cm)
- Departments
- Arts of Africa
- Accession Number
- 74.66.1
- Credit Line
- Gift of Marcia and John Friede
- Exhibitions
- African Innovations, Double Take: African Innovations
- Rights Statement
- Creative Commons-BY
- Museum Location
- This item is not on view
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