Ivory Scepter Mwe Congo

In 1998, Raoul Lehuard (Art Bakongo, Insigne de pouvoir. Le sceptre) identified the ivory scepter as a symbol of the supreme leader mwe and as the most important piece of regalia among the Congo peoples, who inhabit the northern banks of the eponymous river. The codified arrangement of the figures echoes the extraordinary expressive power of the faces and gestures, which is further reinforced by the abundance of detail, the density of the closely interwoven images, and the extreme refinement of its carving. The leader sits enthroned, holding in his hands the symbols of his power (a scepter and a munkwise root which he holds before his mouth), while his little finger curved over the other fingers of his left hand demonstrates the so-called kanga kolo attitude, a sign of conjuration and interdependence among each member of the community (Lehuard, Ibid., p. 932).

It is a design that should preferably use tree-like supports, PLA, and was recreated on a Kingroon kp3s with a 0.04mm nozzle, printed by a novice like myself; it is a piece that should be in your personal collection.

It is not for commercial use, and respect must be shown for the cultural significance of this beautiful piece.