Mbole
Male Figure for the Lilwa Association (Okifa)
Mbole, Early 20th century
Scroll
Mbole
Male Figure for the Lilwa Association (Okifa)
Mbole, Early 20th century
Physical Qualities
Wood, glass beads, iron, pigment, 13 7/8 x 3 5/8 x 2 3/4 in. (35.2 x 9.2 x 7 cm.)
Credit Line
Anonymous Gift
Object Number
1999.163
Social life of the Mbole people is dominated by the Lilwa Association, whose secret rituals include initiation, circumcisions, flagellations, fasting and other tests. To protect these secrets, the Mbole sculpt figures called Okifa (meaning 'hanged') whose purpose is to warn Lilwa members who might reveal ceremonial details of the society. These hanging figures can also depict actual victims and transgressors, who have violated the moral and legal precepts of the group.
The Baltimore Museum of Art by gift, 1999; Private Collection, Baltimore
Inscribed: Old donor's label marked '798'.
