Collections: Arts of Africa and the Pacific Islands: Three-Headed Figure (Sakimatwemtwe)

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Three-Headed Figure (Sakimatwemtwe)

We do not know the symbolism of this three-headed figure, which was only revealed to initiates of the Bwami society. Such sculptures were used in conjunction with recited verses to instruct initiates in proper social behavior and moral conduct.

• Culture: Lega
• Medium: Wood, fiber, pigment
• Place Made: Sud-Kivu or Maniema Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Dates: 19th century
• Dimensions: 5 1/2 x 2 x 1 1/8 in. (14 x 5.1 x 2.9 cm)
• Collections: Arts of Africa and the Pacific Islands
• Museum Location: This item is on view in African Galleries, 1st Floor
• Accession Number: 22.486
• Credit Line: Museum Expedition 1922, Robert B. Woodward Memorial Fund
• Image: Overall, 22.486_SL1_edited_version.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph
Lega. Three-Headed Figure (Sakimatwemtwe), 19th century. Wood, fiber, pigment, 5 1/2 x 2 x 1 1/8 in. (14 x 5.1 x 2.9 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Museum Expedition 1922, Robert B. Woodward Memorial Fund, 22.486 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 22.486_SL1_edited_version.jpg)
• Catalogue Description: Standing figure carved from a single piece of fine-grained wood with one large central head on an elongated neck and two smaller heads rising out of the shoulders. Each head has a carved face and each of the three faces is oval in shape with small holes for eyes, a larger hole for a mouth, and a long narrow nose beginning at the crown of the forehead. Down the single-body's torso are four notches in succession. The figure's single set of arms are at its sides, but gradually flare away from the body. Legs are apart; fiber cord is around left ankle. Condition: Good