H x W x D: 17.7 x 5.9 x 3.8 cm (6 15/16 x 2 5/16 x 1 1/2 in.)
Type:
Figure
Geography:
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Date:
Early to mid-20th century
Label Text:
Pre-colonial Lega society was governed by Bwami, a graded association open to all men and women in a given village. Bwami was also an educational system through which esteemed Lega values were taught. Above all, Bwami conveyed prestige, and its activities were the sole impetus for the visual arts.
The highest grades in Bwami were yananio and kindi, ranks comprising the intellectual, moral and political elite of the society, who were privileged to own or have access to the most prestigious art forms. Among these were carved wood, or ivory or bone figurines that were also used to teach Bwami initiates moral precepts. Proverb-images, they refer to a vast array of characters and personages but are not recognizable to those without intensive knowledge of Bwami. They illustrate such abstract Bwami cultural values as respect and moderation.
Description:
Ivory standing stylized human figure with overall dark patina. Figure has stocky legs with feet and knees roughly indicated, arms straight down at sides and rudimentary head and facial indications.
Provenance:
Eliot Elisofon, New York, -- to 1973
Content Statement:
As part of our commitment to accessibility and transparency, the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art is placing its collection records online. Please note that some records are incomplete (missing image or content descriptions) and others reflect out-of-date language or systems of thought regarding how to engage with and discuss cultural heritage and the specifics of individual artworks. If you see content requiring immediate action, we will do our best to address it in a timely manner. Please email nmafacuratorial@si.edu if you have any questions.
Image Requests:
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