Lega Bone Ceremonial Knife MATTER COLLECTION

This Lega ceremonial knife from Central Africa is hand-carved from bone, featuring a sculpted human figure forming the handle with an elongated, expressive face. The natural patina and fiber-wrapped details add texture and highlight its age and character. The broad blade reflects its ceremonial purpose, symbolizing status and cultural identity rather than everyday use. This is a piece from the Matter collection, keep reading to learn more.

Provenance: Matter Collection

From the collection of Margie and Phil Matter. Margie lived in South Africa, and later she and her husband Phil opened a gallery in Tucson. Everything in this collection was in their home for more than thirty years. Africa Direct recently bought the collection; at 95, Margie wants to share the things she has loved so much.