Description:

Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Lomami River region, Mbole peoples, ca. 19th century CE. A fascinating, hand-carved, wood figure known as an Ofika and intended to represent a hanged man. This style of figure is central to the initiation practices of the law enforcement association, called Lilwa, in Mbole society. The stylized figure displays a slender body with slightly bent legs, jutting feet, square shoulders, broad arms, and a prominent phallus. Supported by a thick neck, his petite head presents an abstract visage nearly devoid of features, save for a horizontal and a vertical crest that come to a point at the center, just above a pair of incised, horizontal striations, and capped with a helmet-like coiffure or headdress with a flat top. Size: 3.1" W x 12.4" H (7.9 cm x 31.5 cm); 13.8" H (35.1 cm) on included custom stand.

All of the young men and the daughters of the highest-ranking members of the society were inducted into Lilwa. They were isolated in a lodge in the forest and guided by an older person as they completed a series of trials. A sculpture like this one is from the final moments of the ritual, what they have been leading up to through all of their trials, when the new initiates are allowed to see and touch the symbolic objects of the Lilwa society. From this, they learned how to be moral actors, and were cautioned against adultery, stealing, and lying. They would also witness the punishment for breaking the rules - public hangings, after which, sculptures like this one were carved, often representing known individuals.

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-private California, USA collection

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#164756

  • Condition: Expected nicks, chips, and abrasions with some small areas of surface loss, all commensurate with age. Otherwise, very nice with rich patina throughout.

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September 1, 2022 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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