“Sir Numerous heads saw an elephant on the opposite bank of the Lwalaba”
This is the aphorism linked to the multi-headed wooden figurines Sakimatwematwe, which symbolize the knowledge and clairvoyance of the initiates of the highest rank of the Bwami (klutombo lwa kindi)
The initiate of the highest grade sees in all directions, and perceives what is unknown and invisible to ordinary mortals.
“He applies his sense of justice as arbiter between young and old, men and women, initiated and uninitiated, good and evil (Biebuyck, 1986, p. 86; and 2002 , p. 126) Surpassing the moral codes individually conveyed by the other characters, Sakimatwematwe alone sums up the power and wisdom of the initiate of the supreme grade: “master of the world of the forest” (nenelubanda); “main beam of a house” (1994, p. 33)” (Marguerite de Sabran, SAKIMATWEMATWE: The face of knowledge) in Arts of Africa and Oceania, Sotheby’s catalog, Dec 14, 2016, Paris)
According to Alexandre Safiannikoff, these very rare statues are called
Sabitwebitwe in Kalole, Pangi and Shabunda areas
Shakungukungu in Kituu and Mwenga areas
Sakimatwematwe among the Bembe and in neighboring Lega areas
On the subject (see bibliography)
Biebuyck, Ethics and beauty p126
Biebuyck Lega culture fig 86
Biebuyck, The arts of Zaire pl50
Secrets of Ivory Pages 155 and 157
Safiannikoff, p70
Plisnier and Boulanger, Grandeur and humility, p310 to 323
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The statuettes used as part of the cult of Bwami are generically called Iginga
Collective, sacred properties, they are kept secret, generally in closed wicker baskets. Their use is reserved with exceptions, for passages to the upper (Yananio) and supreme (Kindi) levels.
The statue is inseparable from the aphorism associated with it
The Bwami is an association hierarchically ranked by grade which organizes the social structure and ensures the stability of the Lega community.
Each level passage gives rise to initiation rites where we speak, sing, dance, mime and exhibit. A multitude of aphorisms are used during stories and songs
"The objective is to formulate and interpret in multiple symbolic ways the principles, moral and philosophical values and rules of Bwami, to everyone and to inculcate them, and to grant initiates the paraphernalia relevant to their level of rank as well as their symbolic references, and to transmit the power, prestige and privileges that result from them" (Biebuyck, Sculptures don not speak 2010)
The Lega are a Bantu forest people of Central Africa, established in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), in the provinces of South Kivu and Maniema
ETHNICAL GROUP: Lega – Balega - Warega.
ORIGINE: Democratic Republic of Congo.
(ex Belgian Congo, ex Zaïre).
