Bwami Crocodile Figurine (Primary Title)

Unknown (Artist)

19th–20th century
Lega
bone (probably elephant)
Democratic Republic of Congo
Overall: 6 5/8 × 1/2 × 1 1/4 in. (16.83 × 1.27 × 3.18 cm)
95.74
This animal figurine (mugugundu) is an emblem of the Bwami Society in the Lega culture. Small figurines of animals, simple in form and detail but varied in symbolism, are used in Bwami initiation rites. This one is carved in the shape of a crocodile.
Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Richard France
Image released via Creative Commons CC-BY-NC

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