African Arts Gallery

The African art lega and the initiation materials Sakimatwematwe (Multi-heads).
In connection with a Lega proverb, with two or more heads, this type of sculpture, of which there are various versions, would always illustrate the need for a global vision of events, and therefore the prudence, wisdom and impartiality that should result from it. .(Biebuyck 1973) Belonging to an initiate of the Bwami, among the many others used throughout the initiations, this carved object presents faces directed towards the four cardinal points.
The teacher guided the aspirant to a place where masks and statuettes were exhibited, and it was through careful observation that the future initiate had to guess the more or less complex meaning of these metaphors, the latter largely referring to proverbs. and sayings. Those who were not allowed to see the object, in order to be protected from it, had to submit to costly ceremonies, and sometimes even join the lower rank of the Bwami, the kongabulumbu, at great fees for families. Each of these initiations took place over seven days and included at least seven performances. Items "won" individually were then kept in a woven bag worn over the shoulder, in a basket for those won collectively.
Satin patina. Small accidents, abrasions.