Ofika Mbole statue, DRC.Carved according to traditional Mbol - Lot 15

Ofika Mbole statue, DRC.Carved according to traditional Mbole conventions, this African statue features a resigned, suffering physiognomy and a recurring posture: bent legs, unnaturally bent arms, hands resting on the thighs. Velvety two-tone patina.60 x 13 cm The Mbole are known for their statues embodying, according to D. Biebuck ,ofika . The lilwa, an association with dogmatic initiation rites, was in the habit of judging and sentencing to hanging those guilty of breaking the rules imposed. These offences ranged from murder to adultery, and included breaking the secrecy surrounding the lilwa. Disgraced, the bodies of the condemned received no funeral and were buried in the forest. It was during the ceremonies at the end of the initation, presided over by a notable isoya, that these statues were exhibited, presented lying on a litter.