The Mbole are known principally for
their figures known as ofika which tend to be categorized by their geometric
features, elongated emaciated bodies, enlarged heads with heart-shaped faces,
protruding mouths and crown-like coiffures. The shoulders and arms seem inert
and uncontrolled. White pigment is applied to the face of the statue. Ofika
figures represent men or women who were hanged for transgressing the moral and
legal laws of the lilwa. Such figures were shown to youths during their
initiation into the association to illustrate the consequence of immoral
conduct and also to instill in them respect for the authority vested in elders
and ranking lilwa members. An initiation was given to young boys who had
already learned to fish (taught by women) and farm (taught by men). The
children would be taken into the bush to develop their qualities of endurance,
courage, loyalty, and discipline; they underwent trials of fasting and learned
the language of the lilwa and its secrets. Abstract, polychrome masks were used
during the closing rite, when the statues would be ceremonially brought out.
The figures symbolized the power and authority of the lilwa and were the
exclusive prerogative of high-ranking members. Ofika were displayed on other
solemn occasions, such as during executions by hanging, during periods of persistent
bad hunting, when oaths were taken, and when serious conflicts between parties
were settled. Each ofika bears the name of a hanged individual.
The statue has several age cracks.
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