Fragmentary figure · Nigeria, Mbembe/Boki · ID: 3035878
Alfred Kren, Munich, Germany
Description
wood, encrusted greyish brown patina, sacrificial traces, figure with elongated arm and flat headgear, two smaller figures backside, dam., large missing parts through insect caused damage, cracks, traces of abrasion, metal plate;
the Mbembe people live in the Ogoja province, along the banks of the middle Cross River and Awayong creek. The men of the village belong to two important associations, one of which is secular - “okowa” - and the other ritual - “ocheika”. 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.