Initiation Statue – Wood, Feathers – Lengola – Congo

Powerful  Lengola figure from DR Congo with horizontal scarifications.
The Lengola, are established near the Metoko in the center of teh Congolese basin between the Lomami and Lualaba rivers, a primary forest people dedicated to the worship of a single God, a rar monotheism in Africe. 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 inititiation, funeral or circumcicion ceremonies, and were then placed on the tomb of high rank initiaties. Each of these figures had a name and a meaning for educational purposes, as in the Lega traditions.[Art and Life in Afica ; C.D. Roy’Fleuve Congo F. Neyt; 100 people of Zaire and their sculpture, M.L. Félix]
Good condition with traces of wear and tear.

Provenance: former private German collection.