Description
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.
Provenance
Charles Ratton, Paris, France (ca. 1950s); Guy Ladriere, Paris, France (no date recorded); Pierre Dartevelle, Paris, France (ca. 1980-1983); The Vranken-Hoet Collection, Brussels, Belgium (1983-2005); The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH by purchase (2005 to present)
Accession Number
2005.3
Medium
Elephant ivory, tukula, and oil
Dimensions
Overall: 16.7 x 5.5 x 4.5 cm (6 9/16 x 2 3/16 x 1 3/4 in.)
Classification
Sculpture
Credit Line
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund
