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Male Figure (Ofika)
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Figures such as this, known as <em>ofika, </em>were central to the initiation practices and the enforcement of laws among the all-male Lilwa association, a hierarchical organization that served educational, judicial, political, economic, and ritual functions among the Mbole. Meant to instill a moral code and to act as a cautionary symbol during initiation for Lilwa novices, ofika figures are believed to represent criminals who were ritually hanged for transgressions against Lilwa laws. The figure’s encrusted surface imitates how members covered their bodies with a substance made of ashes and palm oil during burial rites.
| Artist / Maker | Anonymous, Mbole-style carver |
|---|---|
| Date | late 1800s or early 1900s |
| Culture / Origin | Africa, Central Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Mbole-style carver |
| Medium | Wood, colorant, and upholstery studs |
| Dimensions | 42.2 cm (16 5/8 in.) |
| Department | African Art |
| Type | Sculpture |
About the Artist
Provenance & Source
Image & data: Cleveland Museum of Art, CC0 / Public Domain.
Condition
A detailed condition report and high-resolution photography are available from our specialists in advance of the sale.
Shipping & Collection
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