A Mbole 'Ofika' figure.
R. d. Congo. Wood. 32 cm. These figures were part of the Mbole's initiation practices into the legal association known as Lilwa. As part of the secret society of the Lilwa, related to the Bwami association of the Lega, located south of the Mbole, the higher initiates are part of the judgement system. These figures are used as a 'threat'not to break important communal rules and norms. Kalala Nkudi's study of the Mbole's social structure describes that these Ofika (hanging) figures were 'central to the final moments of the initiation when inititates could touch the Ofika'. According to Nkudi, these sculptures allowed the elders to explain the consequences of immoral conduct, to impart respect for elders, to transmit concepts about etiquette and to warn against adultery, thieving and lying.
Lit.:
Nkudi, 'Le Lilwakoy des Mbole du Lomami', Brussels 1979, p. 33.
Provenance:
Private Belgian collection;
Gallery Somare, Milan;
Private Austrian collection.
Published:
'Estetica Africani', Dalton Somare, 2006, p. 63.
Specialist: Joris Visser
Joris Visser
+32-2-514 00 34
Joris.Visser@dorotheum.com
04.10.2021 - 15:11
- Estimate:
-
EUR 8,000.- to EUR 10,000.-
- Starting bid:
-
EUR 6,000.-
A Mbole 'Ofika' figure.
R. d. Congo. Wood. 32 cm. These figures were part of the Mbole's initiation practices into the legal association known as Lilwa. As part of the secret society of the Lilwa, related to the Bwami association of the Lega, located south of the Mbole, the higher initiates are part of the judgement system. These figures are used as a 'threat'not to break important communal rules and norms. Kalala Nkudi's study of the Mbole's social structure describes that these Ofika (hanging) figures were 'central to the final moments of the initiation when inititates could touch the Ofika'. According to Nkudi, these sculptures allowed the elders to explain the consequences of immoral conduct, to impart respect for elders, to transmit concepts about etiquette and to warn against adultery, thieving and lying.
Lit.:
Nkudi, 'Le Lilwakoy des Mbole du Lomami', Brussels 1979, p. 33.
Provenance:
Private Belgian collection;
Gallery Somare, Milan;
Private Austrian collection.
Published:
'Estetica Africani', Dalton Somare, 2006, p. 63.
Specialist: Joris Visser
Joris Visser
+32-2-514 00 34
Joris.Visser@dorotheum.com
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| Auction: | Tribal Art |
| Auction type: | Online auction |
| Date: | 04.10.2021 - 15:11 |
| Location: | Vienna | Palais Dorotheum |
| Exhibition: | 29.09. - 04.10.2021 |