Lega

Democratic Republic of Congo
(formerly Zaire)

After their exodus from Uganda in the 17th century, the Lega eventually settled on the west bank of the Lualaba River in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Known also as the Warega, the Lega live in autonomous villages collectively situated at the summit of a hill surrounded by a palisade. the position of the cheif, referred to to as the Kindi, is held by the oldest member of the clan who must also hold the highest grade within the Bwami society. The function of the Bwami, which is open to both men and women, is to regulate the social and political life of the Lega. Progression through the seven male and four female grades is made possible by the giving of presents and the participation in initiations. Division of labour is gender based and akin to the economic patterns of other tribes living in a forest environment: men hunt and clear new landand women cultivate manioc.

Lega art is exclusively focused on and associated with the Bwami society. each object has a precise role and function within their ceremonies and rituals and is used only to be initiated. These artifacts are numerous and are created from a variety of materials, particularly wood, ivory, bone and elephant hide.

~ links to LEGA items on ETHNIX.COM ~

LEGA Face Masks

LEGA Passport Masks

LEGA Ancestral Figures/Statues

LEGA Animal Figures/Statues

LEGA Hats