Mbole Ofika small figure
The Mbole in African art
This African wooden statuette takes the form of a hanged figure, a representation that occupies a central place in the association in charge of maintaining social order known as the Lilwa among the Mbole.
The typology of these so-called Ofika statuettes is unique in African art. We observe a play of geometric surfaces participating in the stylization while maintaining a general appearance as realistic as possible, faithful to the condemned hanged. This contrast of convex and concave volumes is supported by the addition of red pigment to certain parts of the body and face. The facial expression must represent sadness (as Cornet described it in 1971).
The Lilwa is akin to the Bwami association which governs order among the Lega located in the south-eastern part of Mbole territory. The artistic corpus of the latter is nevertheless infinitely smaller than that of the very prolific Lega.
01616
Data sheet
- Presumed dating
- Mid XXth century
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood, rope
- Country
- Origin
- Exclusive Belgian collection
- Stand
- Included
- Condition
- Museum quality
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The Mbole in African art
This African wooden statuette takes the form of a hanged figure, a representation that occupies a central place in the association in charge of maintaining social order known as the Lilwa among the Mbole.
The typology of these so-called Ofika statuettes is unique in African art. We observe a play of geometric surfaces participating in the stylization while maintaining a general appearance as realistic as possible, faithful to the condemned hanged. This contrast of convex and concave volumes is supported by the addition of red pigment to certain parts of the body and face. The facial expression must represent sadness (as Cornet described it in 1971).
The Lilwa is akin to the Bwami association which governs order among the Lega located in the south-eastern part of Mbole territory. The artistic corpus of the latter is nevertheless infinitely smaller than that of the very prolific Lega.