Description:

Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Lega peoples, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. A figural carving made from a massive elephant bone, depicting a nude man with scarification / tattoos on his face and body and plaited hair. The Bwami is a religious cult, a semisecret organization for men and women to teach moral order, which are represented by carved figures and masks, visual aids to remember stories, proverbs, and ancestors. The highest-ranking members had carvings made from the best materials such as elephant ivory and bone which were kept in shrines. Size: 4" L x 3.5" W x 10" H (10.2 cm x 8.9 cm x 25.4 cm)

Provenance: Private Young collection, New Hampshire, USA

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#182753

  • Condition: Natural bone pitting and ossification in center. Dark patina and nice luster throughout. Intact and excellent.

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December 14, 2023 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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