A Magnificent Mbole masterpiece from DRC Congo. This statue represents a human figure with its hands on its thighs, hunched shoulders and an enlarged head with a typical heart shaped face. They are thought to represent hanged men, 'Ofika', who have been judged guilty by the 'Lilwa' society or sacrificed in order to allow a dignitary to obtain the 'Isoya' grade of the 'Lilwa' society. The figure is made by a sculptor belonging to the same family as the dead man and is supposed to contain his soul. They are kept in special huts in the forest and are shown during initiation ceremonies and can be used to inhibit criminal behaviour among new initiates. These statues are carried out of the forest on stretchers and are talked about during meetings, although women and children are not allowed to see them. This is a magnificent example of a rare Mbole Statue and shows good signs of age and use. Please note this statue does not stand up by itself on a flat surface.

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