An ancient anthropomorphic statuette (Maginga in the plural), an object of rank in the Bwami society, with a particularly strong and powerful attitude and facial expression despite an almost rustic or even rough sculptural workmanship, this is without counting on the effectiveness of the ancient canons and archetypes that make up the Lega sculptural tradition. There weren't many artists, but they were prolific, as Biebuyck and Commandant Delhaise wrote in 1909. Let's not forget that "all anthropomorphic sculptures illustrate, positively or negatively, values and concepts linked to moral philosophy, worldview, social structure and etiquette". They are real works of art in their own right, called Bitungwa, even if they are narrative supports, ethical models and memorial objects, impossible for the uninitiated to fully grasp. The artist is called, among other specific names, mulongo, meaning the creator of order. Lega, Democratic Republic of Congo 19th or early 20th century Bone, visible age-related wear, hematite remains visible in the eyes, ancient ritual samples visible in the mouth, very fine old patina. H. 9.5 cm Provenance : Acquired between 1956 and 1957 by Mr. V., territorial administrator in Maniema between 1952 and 1959.