Lega Ivory
Lega ivory in ivory used for the Bwami secret society
divination practices.
Dark brown-red patina.
Age: circa 1900
Provenance: dutch collection
Price: not available
Lega-Ivory information request of availability or comment
- send email
The ivory looks less red in reality than on the below picture.
Central to the imagery of the Lega are references to the Bwami Society, a
complex organization that provides political, religious, and social structure to
the Lega peoples. Works of art are used by the Lega to teach the many lessons,
stories, and values that must be learned by initiates moving up through the
ranks of the Bwami Society. Most Lega art is small and personal in scale,
enabling Bwami Society instructors to hold pieces in their hands and use them as
mnemonic devices.
Although modest in scale, these works are grand in their expressive power,
successfully showcasing the Lega aesthetic and sense of design, which is
characterized by a refinement of form and a potent spirituality.
Lega Ivory's are quite seldom and not easy to find on the
market. So I am glad to be able to propose you this one that has clear signs of
aging and use.
Black-Brown-red patina . H=10 cm.
Provenance: Dutch private collector.
Lega-Ivory information request of availability or comment
- send email
You can also download our little game, I used this image to make it : African
Art Puzzle.exe
Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the
importation of property containing materials from endangered species, including
but not limited to coral, ivory and tortoiseshell. Accordingly, prospective
purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior
to buying if they intend to import this lot into another country than Belgium,
since I don't take responsability in case the object is ceized by custom.
This ivory is clearly from before1974 when the Washington convention was
signed. If you need a CITEs before buying this ivory, please be aware that this
will bring extra charges above the acquisition price.
Documentation: Art of the Lega: Meaning and Metaphor in Central Africa
Art
of the Lega
Elisabeth Lynn Cam..
visit also http://www.umma.umich.edu/view/past/2004-lega.html
Lega Ivory figure
not available
Lega-Ivory information request of availability or comment
- send email
+32
3 227.35.40
Meet
David Norden at NYC Tribal Art Show 2012 in May