Figure

Description

wood, partly encrusted matt patina, remains of kaolin, rectangular chest cavity, rectangular hole on the head, dam., cracks, missing parts through insect caused damage, socle;
the Mbembe believe in the Surpreme Being - “ibinokpabi” - but they also whorship their ancestors “afranong”. The “afranong” can only be contacted through the intermediary of spiritual beings “oka”. The wooden figures were hidden in the homesteads and worshipped privately by individual families.