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Figurative Sculpture of the Bwami Society (Iginga) - Image 1
Figurative Sculpture of the Bwami Society (Iginga) - Image 2
Figurative Sculpture of the Bwami Society (Iginga) - Image 3
Figurative Sculpture of the Bwami Society (Iginga) - Image 4
Figurative Sculpture of the Bwami Society (Iginga) - Image 5

Lega

Figurative Sculpture of the Bwami Society (Iginga)

Lega, 1866-1932

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Lega

Figurative Sculpture of the Bwami Society (Iginga)

Lega, 1866-1932

Physical Qualities Bone, 16.5 H x 4.6 W x 1.6 D cm.
Credit Line Gift of Bernice Barth, Los Angeles
Object Number 2000.238
There is something unsettling about these figures. Although they mimic the human form, their lack of facial features marks them as not of this world. And indeed, they aren’t. Each of these works was meant to carry the spirit of a deceased or yet-to-beborn human.
Subverting Beauty: African Anti-Aesthetics

Culture

Lega

2000–2000

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Explore the Collection Further

Lega
Man's Hat
2000
Lega
Figurative Bust of the Bwami Society (Iginga)
1899–1932
Lega
Mask
1900–1966
Yorùbá
Figurative Sculpture
1933–1966
Lega
Spoon
1933–1966
Nyamwezi
Figurative Housepost
1899–1965
Lega
Mask (Lukwankongo)
1867–1899
Betty Cooke
Necksculpture
1970–1980
Lega
Mask (Lukwankongo)
1900–1932
Ibram Lassaw
"Sculpture" Necklace
1959–1974
Lega
Head
1900–1932
Giriama and Mijikenda
Funerary Sculpture (Kigango)
1933–1966