Metoko/Leka statuette from Bukota, DRC ex-Zaire - Lot 148

Metoko/Leka statuette from Bukota, DRC ex-Zaire This figure comes from the Metoko, located in the center of the Congolese basin between the Lomami and Lualaba rivers, primary forest peoples dedicated to the worship of a single God, a monotheism rare in Africa. This piece, carved in three superimposed rhombic volumes, is said to represent the incarnation of a primordial ancestor. 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 neighboring Mbole, Lega and Binja, played a role in initiation, funeral and circumcision ceremonies, and were then placed on the graves of high-grade initiates. Like the Leka traditions, each of these figures had an educational name and meaning. The Leka share with the Metoko the institution of bukota, for which they have sculpted figures with a didactic purpose. Ochre-speckled patina, residual kaolin incrustations on the face, cracks 27 x 6 cm Sources: "Art and Life in Africa" C.D.Roy ; "Fleuve Congo" F. Neyt