A beautiful, ancient anthropomorphic statuette (Maginga in the plural) with a stylized face and long, straight nose set in a magnificent concave volume, reminds us of some of the most ancient and beautiful Lega masks. Here, the arms are sculpted detached, and a very slight breast appears, although its sex is not clearly defined. Whether masculine or feminine, or as here asexual in appearance, Maginga statuettes are all unique, even if some resemble each other, and they all bear a name that is echoed in an appropriate aphorism. Maginga figurines, such as this one in ivory or bone, are used primarily for two Kindi rites, which constitute the pinnacle of initiations. This example bears witness to a sublime, deep patina, for during one of these two highly secret rites, called kubongia masengo, which takes place inside the initiation house, the maginga are anointed and perfumed "set in harmony by the kindi and their kazombolo helpers, while the sacred mirlitons (the most secret and feared of all sonic forces) intone cryptic chants". Maginga statuettes are the individual property of kindi initiates, and ownership or guardianship of them testifies to elevation to the highest levels of rank as living dean of initiates, preceptor, tutor or grave keeper. See: on ivory and bone maginga p. 144 to 165 in Lega Éthique et Beauté au coeur de l'Afrique, Daniel Biebuyck, KBC, 2002 Lega, Democratic Republic of the Congo 19th century (or earlier) Ivory, superb old patina. H. 11.9 cm Provenance : Acquired between 1956 and 1957 by Mr. V., territorial administrator in Maniema between 1952 and 1959