Very old ritual statue - LEGA/SHI - Kivu region DR Congo-1900-1920

This tribal object from the DR Congo reflects the aesthetics and spiritual culture of the Lega and the related Shi communities in the Kivu region. The figure, crafted from heavy, compact hardwood, served as a ritual instrument within the local society.

Within the context of the Bwami society, such a figure functioned as a moral anchor and a representation of ancestral wisdom. The restrained facial features and robust design symbolize the qualities of an initiate: the ability to observe the world without direct intervention and the safeguarding of social harmony.

The object displays a weathered patina that testifies to decades of ritual use and exposure to a traditional living environment. The natural oxidation of the wood, combined with traces of historical use, underscores the age of this piece. The stocky proportions and subtle point decorations point to a regional variant that is aesthetically closely linked to the classic Lega tradition, yet possesses its own archaic character.

• Origin: DR Congo, Kivu region (Lega/Shi style)

• Dating: ca. 1900-1920

• Material: Compact hardwood with historical patina

• Dimensions: 28 cm

• Weight: 900 grams

• Condition: Authentic with inactive traces of age

• Provenance:  Obtained from an old Dutch private collection