Fragmentary figure "okifa"
D. R. Congo, Mbole
not available anymore
Provenance
Joseph Christiaens, Brussels, BelgiumSize
H: 44,5 cm
H: 17.5 inch
Description
wood, remains of polychrome paint, facial features only hardly recognizable, dam., missing parts (right arm, right leg), insect caused damage, fine cracks, base;
present type of figure belongs to the “lilwa” (leopard) society and was used at initiation rites. It depicts a hanged person, as a warning for the young initiates not to reveal the secrets of the society.