Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire)
Lega

Bone
Mid- to Late 20th century
Length: 5.4 inches
Aerophone – Edge-blown – Flute/Whistle

The Lega inhabit the virgin forest of eastern DRC, between the great lakes and the Lualaba River, next to Luba people. All Lega art is used within the context of the Bwami society. Originally Lega art was primarily wooden, but little by little, ivory came into use. The Lega judge the quality of their sculpture on the basis of its effectiveness. Tribal Congo Gallery in Bujumbura, Burndi purchased this from a carver to be sold for the art market.