African Arts Gallery

Ex-Belgian African tribal art collection.
Among the traditional African sculpturesassociated with Bukota, this African sculpture was used during initiation rites . In addition, associated with its masculine equivalent Ntanda, it guaranteed the resolution of conflicts. Satin brown patina, heightened with kaolin. Minor cracks.
The Metoko and the Lengola, whose ritual sculptures are very similar, are people of the primary forest dedicated to the worship of a single God, a rare monotheism in Africa. Their society comprising three grades, the Bukota, structured daily life and welcomed both men and women. It represents the equivalent of the Bwami Lega association. The sculptures played a role during initiation ceremonies, and were then placed on the tombs of high-ranking initiates. Kakungu in particular was surrounded by other sculpted objects, including figures of a couple Ntanda and Itea, related to initiation rites and circumcision . Each of these figures had a name, like Lega traditions.