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Art and Social Control

Name: Ofika figure for Lilwa Society
Culture: Mbole people
Region: Democratic Republic of Congo
Material: Wood
Description: Mbole are a small-scale society governed primarily by a men's voluntary association known as Lilwa. Lilwa initiates young boys secluded in the bush, and instills in them a respect for the authority of their elders, and of Lilwa, through strenuous tests of courage, and through the use of art. The Ofika figure represents a person who was hanged for going against Lilwa's rules--so it is meant to suggest to the boys what will happen if they disobey.
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Terms in this set (4)
Name: Ofika figure for Lilwa Society
Culture: Mbole people
Region: Democratic Republic of Congo
Material: Wood
Description: Mbole are a small-scale society governed primarily by a men's voluntary association known as Lilwa. Lilwa initiates young boys secluded in the bush, and instills in them a respect for the authority of their elders, and of Lilwa, through strenuous tests of courage, and through the use of art. The Ofika figure represents a person who was hanged for going against Lilwa's rules--so it is meant to suggest to the boys what will happen if they disobey.
Image: Name: Ofika figure for Lilwa Society Culture: Mbole people Region: Democratic Republic of Congo Material: Wood Description: Mbole are a small-scale society governed primarily by a men's voluntary association known as Lilwa. Lilwa initiates young boys secluded in the bush, and instills in them a respect for the authority of their elders, and of Lilwa, through strenuous tests of courage, and through the use of art. The Ofika figure represents a person who was hanged for going against Lilwa's rules--so it is meant to suggest to the boys what will happen if they disobey.
Name: Masks-- either Zakpei (puts out fires during dry season) or Gunyege (footracer)
Culture: Dan People
Region: Liberia and Côte d'Ivoire / West Africa
Material: Wood
Use: Dan may upgrade or downgrade a particular mask if found to be spiritually powerful. Cannot tell without full costume and performance exact usage for each one. Both of these examples may have been used for either purpose, or they may have changed use over time, if the spirit dictated.
Image: Name: Masks-- either Zakpei (puts out fires during dry season) or Gunyege (footracer) Culture: Dan People Region: Liberia and Côte d'Ivoire / West Africa Material: Wood Use: Dan may upgrade or downgrade a particular mask if found to be spiritually powerful. Cannot tell without full costume and performance exact usage for each one. Both of these examples may have been used for either purpose, or they may have changed use over time, if the spirit dictated.
Name: Masks-- either Zakpei (puts out fires during dry season) or Gunyege (footracer)
Culture: Dan People
Region: Liberia and Côte d'Ivoire / West Africa
Material: Wood
Use: Dan may upgrade or downgrade a particular mask if found to be spiritually powerful. Cannot tell without full costume and performance exact usage for each one. Both of these examples may have been used for either purpose, or they may have changed use over time, if the spirit dictated.
Image: Name: Masks-- either Zakpei (puts out fires during dry season) or Gunyege (footracer) Culture: Dan People Region: Liberia and Côte d'Ivoire / West Africa Material: Wood Use: Dan may upgrade or downgrade a particular mask if found to be spiritually powerful. Cannot tell without full costume and performance exact usage for each one. Both of these examples may have been used for either purpose, or they may have changed use over time, if the spirit dictated.
Name: Ekpo Idiok (policing masks)
Culture: Ibibio people
Region: Nigeria / Guinea Coast
Material: ?? Looks like wood and natural fibers
Description: Disfigurement refers to diseases thought to be punishment for immoral behavior. As agents of social control, it is important that the identity of the mask wearer is concealed.
Use: The frightening appearance is helpful for the kinds of tasks they perform--meting out punishment to criminals, collecting taxes, etc.
Image: Name: Ekpo Idiok (policing masks) Culture: Ibibio people Region: Nigeria / Guinea Coast Material: ?? Looks like wood and natural fibers Description: Disfigurement refers to diseases thought to be punishment for immoral behavior. As agents of social control, it is important that the identity of the mask wearer is concealed. Use: The frightening appearance is helpful for the kinds of tasks they perform--meting out punishment to criminals, collecting taxes, etc.