The African art of lega, Balega, or Warega, is distinguished by its initiation statuettes, sometimes made in ivory. A flat surface perforated in multiple circles is the bust of this teaching statuette of the Bwami. From this shape emerges in the center a janiform head with the characteristics of Lega, face in heart and open mouth placed at the end of the chin. Two large palms, some of which are missing, rise to the sky on either side of the head. The grip could be facilitated by a ventral growth. The whole is stabilized by two small, stocky legs spread apart. The object appears to be a couple who would have settled a dispute through arbitration. Smooth black-spotted brown patina, white pigments on faces. This type of statuette Iginga (Maginga in plural), was the property of the high-ranking officers of Bwami, a secret society admitting men and their wives, and governing social life. This organization was subdivided into initiation stages, the highest being the Kindi. The statuettes were used as the aspirants were introduced. Each is a representation with a particular form and meaning from which always derives a moral or a dogma. Source: The Soul of Africa S.Diakonoff
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