Figure (iginga)
Unknown Artist
probably 1800s
Medium
Elephant ivory, tukula, and oil
Dimensions
{"overall":{"height":0.167,"width":0.055,"depth":0.045}}
Classification
Sculpture
Department
African Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund
Accession Number
2005.3
About this artwork
The life of Lega men and women is structured around their advancement through the different grades of the Bwami association. Fulfilling political, social, religious, and other roles, the members’ ultimate purpose is the pursuit of wisdom and excellence. Ivory figurines were reserved for members of the two highest Bwami grades, in which the core of the Lega’s moral philosophy is revealed.