Tribal Art

The African art stylized from the forest tribes.
Janiform figure symbolizing the male and female, lacking upper limbs, and treated in rectangular planes. This kind of object was used by the Bukota society. Lengola statues could also constitute ritual supports dedicated to therapeutic rites. The inclination of the head gives this sculpted work a great expression of gentleness.
Mottled polychrome and matte patina. Small crack.
The Lengola, are established near the Metoko in the center of the Congolese basin between the Lomami and Lualaba rivers, a primary forest people dedicated to the worship of a single God, a rare monotheism in Africa. Their society,the Bukota, welcoming both men and women, is the equivalent of the Bwami association of the Lega. Their sculptures, subject to the influence of the neighboring Mbole, Lega and Binja, played a role during initiation,funeral or circumcision ceremonies, and were then placed on the tomb of high rank initiates. Each of these figures had a name and a meaning for educational purposes, as in the Lega traditions. Sources: "Art and Life in Africa" C.D.Roy; "Fleuve Congo" F. Neyt; "100 people of Zaire and their sculpture" M.L. Félix.