A very rare masengo rank insignia from the Bwami society formed from a malformation or probable disease of the ivory on which we can clearly see small tool marks (in the middle and at one end) most probably used to deburr this object, taken from the natural world. Indeed, the Lega collect hundreds of objects from the natural world (called Mitume) which are used in Bwami initiations from the lowest to the highest grades. "This category of sacred objects (masengo) includes animal exuvia, plants and certain minerals. This unique masengo grade insignia, collected by Mr. V. in the Kama-Biunkutu region, stands out within this category of sacred objects, well described by Daniel Biebuyck. The sublime, deep honey-colored polished patina of this masengo, the result of numerous ritual manipulations, bears witness to the importance it has certainly been accorded through several generations of initiates. Daniel Biebuyck explains: "The initiations and underlying philosophical ideology of Bwami cannot be understood without taking into account this multitude of simple objects. These are complementary to the interpretations conveyed by the artefacts... Many initiation phases focus more on these natural objects than on the works of art." See: on Mitume and Masengo p. 36 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, sublime patina. H. 10 cm Provenance : Acquired in 1957 in the Kama-Biunkutu region by Mr. V., territorial administrator in Maniema between 1952 and 1959.