SLIDE 10 Ivory Figurines, Lega, Eastern Zaire, 19th-20th century

HOW WAS THIS OBJECT USED? WHAT PURPOSE DID IT SERVE? The Lega people of eastern Zaire created these small ivory figures. Almost all art in Lega society is made for and used by members of the Bwami society. The members of the Bwami society teach moral and ethical values through short sayings (proverbs and aphorisms). These figurines were owned by members of the highest level of the Bwami society and were used in initiation ceremonies when an important male member of the community gained status. Each figure expresses a particular saying which has an instructive meaning. The ivories were sometimes displayed as a group or sometimes danced by their owners. When danced, the figures would be attached to the dancer's forehead, chest, arm, leg, or loincloth. When a member of the Bwami dies, his figurine is passed on to family members of similar Bwami status. PART 2-PAGE 7 OF 9

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