HOME | DD

Description
This is a character design for 's contest!
She's giving away cash prizes, so you guys should go enter!
I love this guy a lot :c I might make a cheetah character sort of similar, maybe. I just find Africa and it's art very fascinating C:
But of course if he doesn't place I'll totally keep him haha <3

Anyway, here are the design specs:

First off, I took a class this semester called Art of Central Africa, so I drew on that knowledge a lot for this character. Also, the Lega are a culture in central Africa, so the pieces of this character are based specifically on their traditions, for the most part.
In general, leopards are seen by all cultures of Africa as symbols of power and the King's power.

Name: The name Iganga is the title for the community Diviner. He has contact with the spiritual realm, and uses masks and various objects to communicate with spirits and conjure power. The masks are painted wood, with beards made from monkey hair.

Markings: He uses white and red paint to decorate himself for special occasions, fully painting his face white or wearing his facial mask (above head on ref) for important ceremonies. He is lightly spotted, so he often enhances himself with paint for every day wear. It also functions as a display of power to local villages and animals. The red stripe curling along his side represents a snake / python, which are regarded as spiritual animals throughout Africa, and bring general prosperity.
Objects: additional objects / magical substances are carried in his satchel, which is attached to his harness along with other masks and objects. The smaller masks are called maskettes, and the large mask is worn on his face.
Here's some photo references for some masks: [link] [link]

Personality: He tends to be a quiet, withdrawn fellow, traveling and feeding by night and sleeping in trees during the day. He is a savior to worthy travelers and those innocent lost in the jungle, as he uses his power to guide their way. However, he is very vengeful against those who do evil, and will ruin anyone who dares to harm the forest or innocents who live among it. However, his heart is warm though guarded.
History: He was abandoned as a cub, and found by an Iganga in the forest. Though leopards are often killed for their pelt, the Iganga felt sympathy for the little leopard, and fed him a meal. He blessed him with a prayer to the spirits, and left him with his first mask upon departing. The young leopard grew into a powerful beast under the watchful eyes of the spirits, and pays his debt to the villiage of the Iganga by protecting the forest in which they live. As homage to the Iganga that saved him, he took his name, and lets the spirits live through him as a diviner.

Description
This is a character design for 's contest!
She's giving away cash prizes, so you guys should go enter!
I love this guy a lot :c I might make a cheetah character sort of similar, maybe. I just find Africa and it's art very fascinating C:
But of course if he doesn't place I'll totally keep him haha <3

Anyway, here are the design specs:

First off, I took a class this semester called Art of Central Africa, so I drew on that knowledge a lot for this character. Also, the Lega are a culture in central Africa, so the pieces of this character are based specifically on their traditions, for the most part.
In general, leopards are seen by all cultures of Africa as symbols of power and the King's power.

Name: The name Iganga is the title for the community Diviner. He has contact with the spiritual realm, and uses masks and various objects to communicate with spirits and conjure power. The masks are painted wood, with beards made from monkey hair.

Markings: He uses white and red paint to decorate himself for special occasions, fully painting his face white or wearing his facial mask (above head on ref) for important ceremonies. He is lightly spotted, so he often enhances himself with paint for every day wear. It also functions as a display of power to local villages and animals. The red stripe curling along his side represents a snake / python, which are regarded as spiritual animals throughout Africa, and bring general prosperity.
Objects: additional objects / magical substances are carried in his satchel, which is attached to his harness along with other masks and objects. The smaller masks are called maskettes, and the large mask is worn on his face.
Here's some photo references for some masks: [link] [link]

Personality: He tends to be a quiet, withdrawn fellow, traveling and feeding by night and sleeping in trees during the day. He is a savior to worthy travelers and those innocent lost in the jungle, as he uses his power to guide their way. However, he is very vengeful against those who do evil, and will ruin anyone who dares to harm the forest or innocents who live among it. However, his heart is warm though guarded.
History: He was abandoned as a cub, and found by an Iganga in the forest. Though leopards are often killed for their pelt, the Iganga felt sympathy for the little leopard, and fed him a meal. He blessed him with a prayer to the spirits, and left him with his first mask upon departing. The young leopard grew into a powerful beast under the watchful eyes of the spirits, and pays his debt to the villiage of the Iganga by protecting the forest in which they live. As homage to the Iganga that saved him, he took his name, and lets the spirits live through him as a diviner.