Lega Ivory Female Figure, Rounded Style, Democratic Republic of the Congo

African Elephant (Loxodonta africana) ivory.

Julius and Josefa Carlebach, New York, inv. no. "29727"
Zafrira and Itzhak Shoher, Tel Aviv, acquired from the above

Very good condition for an object of this type and great age. Marks, nicks, scratches, and abrasions consistent with age and use. Proper left foot, proper left hand, and other areas of surface including proper left knee, navel, nose, and proper left ear were ritually shaved down in situ. Pierced under both feet for insertion of base pegs. Exceptionally fine reddish and golden yellow ivory patina.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Lega spiritual belief is manifest in all objects attached to the initiation rituals of the bwami society. The bwami is an organization open to men and women who are married to male members, with graded membership and complex initiation rites that imposes a high moral and philosophical code. Above all, it teaches co-operation amongst its members. The Lega believe that the bwami association is present both in the afterlife and among the living; bwami provides the bridge between the living and the departed. The initiation ceremonies are accompanied by various ritual paraphernalia.

A Lega proverb states that "On ivory, mushrooms do not grow" (Biebuyck 1973: 174), indicating that ivory objects are impervious to the effects of time. According to Cameron (2001: 120-121), large "anthropomorphic figures, carved mainly in ivory, [...] called iginga (pl. maginga) [...] are individually owned by the highest ranking members of Bwami and are the most coveted of all initiation objects. [...] The works can either be inherited through the mother's family or can be commissioned by a teacher to give to an initiate (Biebuyck 1986: 54). Of all the initiation objects, the Lega consider maginga to have the strongest innate power, and they can often use bits of the ivory scraped from these figures to mix a drink intended for medicinal purposes (Biebuyck 1973: 174)."

The inherent power, called magala, could be activated in the context of bwami, making the object a masango, which translates as "heavy thing." The various scrapings on the surface of the Shoher figure, including the proper left foot, shin, knee and hip, the genitals, the proper left arm and shoulder, the umbilicus, proper left breast, chin and nose, are evidence of extended ritual use and attest at the same time to the figure's magala and its quality as masango.

Stylistically, two classic styles can be distinguished in Lega ivory statuary: the "Round Head and Body Style" vs. the "Lozenge Face Style" (Biebuyck 1986, vol. II: 47); de Grunne (2008: 134-135) suggests the terminology "Bibendum Style" for the round and "Aviator Style" for the lozenge styles. According to de Grunne (2008: 135), only "about fifteen statues in the Bibendum Style are known."

The Shoher figure is a magnificent example of this rare Rounded/Bibendum Style. Its inherent power and quality as masango is emphasized by a large cowry shell which is carved on top of the figure's head. Based on the deep honey to gold brown patina and the signs of long ritual use, it can safely be dated to the 19^th century, if not earlier.