Lot: 307

96th Auction

Animal sculpture frog "kitende"

D. R. Congo, Lega

Provenance Size Starting price / estimated price
L: 9.8 inch;
H: 3.3 inch
This object is not available anymore.

wood, pigments, base

According to Biebuyck, the Lega carved different species of frogs or toads, which have different meanings in the teachings of the "bwami" society, or are supposed to convey different wisdom.

They are called "kitende", "kituku" or "nyangulanga", among others.

Depending on whether they are made of wood or ivory, they belong to different degrees of initiation.


Biebuyck, Daniel P., Lega, Brussels 2002, p. 193