Tribal Art

Sakimatwematwe janiforme League figurines (N° 16992)

African art lega and the many introductory materials.
Vocation of foresight, this African statuette Sakimatwematwe (Multi-heads) forms a sculpted symbol for an insider of the Bwami. A long neck is topped with bleached faces. The teacher guided the aspirant to a place where masks and statuettes were exposed, and it was through careful observation that the future initiate had to guess the more or less complex meaning of these metaphors, the latter referring largely to proverbs and sayings. Those who were not allowed to see the object, in order to be protected, had to submit to expensive ceremonies, and sometimes even join the lower rank of the Bwami, the kongabulumbu, at great expense to the families. Each of these initiations took place over seven days and featured at least seven performances. The individually individually held "gagnés" objects were then kept in a woven bag worn over the shoulder, in a basket for those that were won collectively. The objects " Masengo " of the Bwami ("5s powerful") frequently presents gaps, perforations, or abrasions of wood, due to ritual samples in order to use medicine. A decoction consisting of particles mixed with water was then administered to the patient. (Biebuyck 1976) Satin dark brown patina, glossed at the neck by gripping, and residue encrusted with white clay. Desication cracks. Feathers were often attached to the top.
Reelative to a Lega proverb, with two or more heads, this statuette would always illustrate the need for a global view of events, and therefore the prudence, wisdom and impartiality that should result from it. (Biebuyck 1973)