Lega Warega Miniature Figure 11 Inch Congo

The Lega Warega Miniature Figure from Congo is a standing sculpture with a stylized body, showing signs of age and use. Lega sculptures typically exhibit a distinct style featuring a heart-shaped concave face with slit "coffee-bean" eyes and an open narrow mouth. These figures are often covered in white clay called "pombe," or, as in this case, the face is highlighted with coloring material.

Among the Lega people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, carved wooden figures play a significant role in ceremonies of the Bwami Society. This society, functioning as an initiation and instructional group, utilizes masks and figures to convey levels of Bwami, serving as badges validating members' knowledge and rank. The described white-faced figure likely represents a senior member, possibly a judge, within the Bwami Society.

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