“Lega: Ethics and Beauty in the Heart of Africa” was the first major exhibition on the Lega to be held in Europe. Its prestigious location in the KBC Bank Gallery on Brussels’ Grand Place befitted the importance of the event and the quality of the exhibits–nearly 180 objects selected by Biebuyck and the Belgian artist Michel Boulanger. They were grouped in showcases, almost didactically, by category: paraphernalia (headgear and ornaments, including necklaces, bracelets, and belts); stools; small masks; large masks; zoomorphic figurines; and anthropomorphic figurines (subdivided into large wooden figurines, large ivory heads, ivory and bone figurines, and small figurines); spoon… miniature implements; and other sculptures. Most works came from Belgian private collections, and many were shown for the first time. The other main source was the Royal Museum for Central Africa in Tervuren, which possesses the largest collection of Lega objects in the world.

For the Tshokwe, an Angolan tribe, Utotombo signifies a well made and effective object, manufactured with a lot of craftsmanship and love.

This book was composed as a result of the exceptional exhibit: “Kunst uit Zwart Afrika in Belgisch privé bezit” (”Art from black Afrika in Belgian private property”) 25th March – 5th June 1988.

A unique overview about the cultural diversity and the vast art production of the black continent. Masks, ancestral sculptures, utilitarian objects and jewels from over 100 peoples, south of the Sahara.

This book is about the Dowayo: Doll of the Dowayo Namji people in North West Cameroon near the Nigerian Border. The Namji -or Dowayo, the name refers to the people, as well as their language- is famous for their wooden dolls. They are carved from solid hardwood with a relatively tiny head as opposed to their bodies. Some are carved with geometric features and adorned with cowry shells, coins, metal strips, fiber, leather, and metal or multi-colored bead-necklaces.

A very comprehensive and richly illustrated edition.