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Description
Yela Ofika Figure, Congo #992Yela Ofika Figure, Congo #992 A faceted morphology for this polychromed Yela Figure, presenting a form with a curved bust, carried by thick semi bent legs. The curvature of the arms spread out follows that of the trunk. The diamond cut head offers summary features. Matte polychrome patina, abraded. Cracks of desiccation and age. The Lilwa Society, an association with dogmatic Initiation Rites, had the custom of judging and condemning to hanging those
- Yela Ofika Figure, Congo #992
- A faceted morphology for this polychromed Yela Figure, presenting a form with a curved bust, carried by thick semi-bent legs. The curvature of the arms spread out follows that of the trunk. The diamond-cut head offers summary features. Matte polychrome patina, abraded. Cracks of desiccation and age.
- The Lilwa Society, an association with dogmatic Initiation Rites, had the custom of judging and condemning to hanging those guilty of infringing the rules imposed. These offences ranged from murder to adultery and the breaking of the secrets surrounding the Lilwa Society. Dishonored, the bodies of the condemned had no funeral and were buried in the forest.
- It was during the Ceremonies of the end of Initiation, presided over by a notable Isoya, Respected Elder Member, that these statues were exhibited, presented lying on a litter.
- In addition to these types of figures, the Yela also carved effigies of Ancestors.
- Measurements: 16.35" × 4.5" × 4"
- Condition: Excellent
- Sold with stand
- Below is an in depth description from the Metropolitan Museum of Art:
- This stocky figure, with sloping shoulders, a flattened heart-shaped face and surface bearing ochre, white and brown pigment, takes the appearance of a hanged man. Conventionalized polychrome figures carved in this manner represent individuals who were hanged for violating the public order and transgressing the laws of a powerful association among the Kela and Mbole people, known as Lilwa. This graded association performed ritual, educational, jural, social, political, and economic functions (Biebuyck 1995). The Lilwa association is related to the better-known Bwami association of the Lega peoples, the Mbole’s southeastern neighbors. While the Lega use a multitude of small-scale objects as part of the initiation into Bwami, Lilwa’s artifacts are few and are striking for their comparatively large scale.
- The anthropologist Daniel Biebuyck has highlighted Lilwa’s sophisticated moral philosophy (Biebuyck 1976, 1979, 1995). This philosophy and way of life were instilled into most members of Mbole society, during a period of initiation during which they learned basic social and ethical precepts. All young men and some women (daughters of the highest-ranking initiates) were initiated into the basic introductory level of Lilwa. At that time, they were isolated in a forest lodge and, guided by a ritual expert (onanga), passed through a series of trials. Congolese psychologist Kalala Nkudi's study of the Mbole’s social structure and the steps of Lilwa initiation reveals that Ofika (hanging) figures were central to the final moments of the initiation when initiates were allowed to see and touch the symbolic objects of Lilwa. According to Nkudi the sculptures allowed the elders to explain the consequences of immoral conduct, to impart respect for elders, to transmit concepts about etiquette, and to warn against adultery, thieving and lying (Nkudi 1979, pp. 20-21).
- The practice of hanging was central to law enforcement in Mbole society and was done publicly in the village, with great pomp. The spectacle must have been striking: a special status-holder of Lilwa placed a liana around the victim’s neck and attached it to a flexible, bent tree, which pulled the body into the air when released. The sculptures, carved at the request of a Lilwa elder following an execution, represented particular individuals who were condemned to death by Lilwa. While the figures should not be considered as portraits of offenders, the carvings were given their names and perpetuated their memories. This element of personification was expressed during the initiation rituals that showcased the figures. Indeed, as the ritual leaders showed the Ofika figures to the neophytes, they warned the young initiates with these words: “Watch out, if you scorn the customs of the ancestors, we will kill you and fix you in a statue, as we did for the son of X and Y” (Nkudi 1979).
- Bringing nuance to the interpretation of the hanged man imagery, Biebuyck suggested that the Ofika figures might allude to another important moment in Mbole society, the pre-burial rites performed for high-ranking Lilwa members. Following their death, their body was suspended from a pole in their house to collect fluids. These fluids were then sprayed to transmit vital force to their successor (Biebuyck 1986, p. 242).
- In addition to initiations, the figures were shown on other rare occasions: to protect society from calamity and in times of persistent bad hunting, when oaths were taken, or when serious conflicts between parties needed to be settled. Colonial administrator V. Rouvroy observed the appearance of such figures in 1928. The arrival of the figures was announced with drumming, to warn off women and children. Generally, however, they were hidden from sight by high-ranking initiates, either in or outside the village, as non-initiates were entirely forbidden to see them. They were prepared for display by being repainted. Once ready, they were brought out by a special status-holder called isoya (the same individual who acted as the supreme judge in criminal cases that require execution by hanging). The figures were carried lying on their backs on litters in a manner reminiscent of Mbole burial customs (Rouvroy 1929).
In his attempt to interpret the deeper significance of the Ofika figures, Biebuyck suggested that they helped neutralize the souls of criminals (Biebuyck 1976, p. 58). This interpretation is connected to a Mbole belief, according to which the souls of the dead are reborn with their previous characteristics. The figures may serve to attract and house the souls of hanged criminals in order to prevent their rebirth.
- Metropolitan Museum of Art
Yaëlle Biro, 2016
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4.0 ★★★★★
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★★★★★ 5
Awesome Body Lotion For Dry Skin and Some Reduction Of Age Related Wrinkles
Scent: Sweet Vanilla & Soft Wood, Size: 18.5 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
I have only been using this product for a short period of time, but I very much like the fragrance. The sweet vanilla and soft wood scent is a great combo and not overpowering. I like the texture of the lotion, which is a silky smooth clear gel and easy to apply. My age wrinkles are diminished and very much less pronounced. It makes my skin feel more supple, as I have dry skin and the lotion is perfect for that condition. It will definitely be my go to skin lotion going forward as I am very pleased with the cost and the improved skin condition is a very short period of time.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 27, 2026
★★★★★ 5
Great Lotion
Scent: Collagen, Size: 17 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
I am loving this lotion. It is a soft non greasy lotion that hydrates well.
It has a pretty smell. Applies to my skin nicely. I highly recommend this lotion if you love Olay.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 22, 2026
★★★★★ 5
Eradicated Decade Long battle with KP on INNER KNEES in less than 1 week. NEW KP HOLY GRAIL CREAM!!
Scent: Sweet Vanilla & Soft Wood, Size: 10 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
About my skin- 43 year old fair, normal to dry, very sensitive, prone to KP bumps on back of arms, inner knees and if aggravated - all over thighs. I am pretty careful with what I use and I even have to be careful within the same brand if something DOES work. I have spent a long time being snobby about “drugstore” brands because over the years they have all aggravated my now mostly under control KP. I recently was convinced to try the Olay SUper Serum body wash because a friend with similar issues said she was really impressed. I have been also! In fact, the body wash for “Rough and Bumpy” skin has been my go-to wash for the past few months and has visibly improved my overall skin texture and has not aggravated any KP flare ups. I was very excited to try this body cream, since the current one I use is over 50 dollars for a similar size jar. I like to use A LOT of moisturizer and the cost is really annoying and close to being prohibitive when you use a jar a week. I purchased this cream (packaged well, no leaked, fresh product, overnight delivery). I am in LOVE! It smells great, very high end. The fragrance is real so if you hate fragrance, bot for you. I wear Baccarat Rouge and this lotion does not interfere with that, and it does dissipate after a while (I asked others to be sure). The crazy thing is this… most of the time my KP bumps on my inner knees are there, but when I have them under control they just lack color and are a lot smoother. THEY ARE GONE AFTER 1 WEEK.. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME IN THE DECADE OR SO I HAVE HAD KP BUMPS ON MY INNER KNEEES THAT THEY HAVE BEEN COMPLETELY GONE. I do not feel it is the combo of the wash and this cream, as I have been using a different wash while out of town. The only new item I used was THIS CREAM, alone, without my other more expensive product. I am kind of blown away and delighted. Also, I was able to use less of this to feel moisturized than I have been using with the “fancy” brand. The scent is warm, slightly vanilla, expensive and not too floral. Cream absorbs quickly and well, leaves skin feeling plumped, soft, no greasy residue and MAJOR BONUS… NO PILLING. That is a nightmare when a product does that. It absorbs quickly, leaves no marks on clothes when squeezing into a pair of black legggings…. All the good stuff you may forget to look for but notice when they happen. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND TRYING, if a light, high end fragrance is good with you. To reiterate- the fragrance is not crazy strong but it also calms WAY down about 30 mins after applying and melts into just a nice feminine clean but warm (not body spray type of vibe) scent that is not very noticeable to me or others. No where near as strong as like a Bum Bum cream (which I LOVE IN SUMMER) and smells high end, not like cheap shampoo or air freshener. Get this!!!!!!! It also did not irritate my chest area which for me is always a little prone to red spots when I use fragranced products. No irritation and dude… NO BUMPS FOR FIRST TIME IN A DECADE OR MORE. WOW!!!!
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Reviewed in the United States on October 9, 2025
★★★★★ 5
THE BEST LOTION I HAVE EVER USED
Scent: Sweet Vanilla & Soft Wood, Size: 18.5 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
THIS WINTER AND HAVING THE HEAT ON HIGHER THEN I NORMALLY DO HAS DONE A NUMBER ON MY SKIN. IT IS SO DRY AND I HAVE TRIED SO MANY THINGS AND NOTHING HAS REALLY WORKED. SO I GAVE IN AND SPENT THE MONEY AND TRIED THIS. I AM SO GLAD I DID. THIS WAS WORTH EVERY PENNY. I LOVED IT SO MUCH I BOUGHT ANOTHER BOTTLE JUST TO HAVE SO I WOULDN'T RUN OUT. I START OUT WITH THE BODY WASH WITH THE OLAY SUPER SERUM BODY WASH AND JUST AFTER ONE WASH MY SKIN WAS MUCH SOFTER AND SMOOTHER. YOU DO NOT NEED A LOT AS IT LATHERS UP NICELY IT SMELLS GREAT AND IT RINSES OFF GREAT LEAVING YOUR SKIN FEELING CLEAN AND SOFT. IT DOESN'T HAVE A STRONG SCENT TO IT WHICH IS FINE . I FOLLOW IT WITH IT WITH THIS SUPER SERUM LOTION JUST TO MAKE SURE THE SKIN STAYS SOFT. THIS LOTION IS SO SOFT AND SILKY. IT ABSORBS QUICKLY INTO YOUR SKIN WITHOUT LEAVING YOUR SKIN FEELING GREASY. IT IS LIGHTWEIGHT AND LEAVES YOU FEELING SOFT WITHOUT THAT DRY CRACKED APPEARANCE. THE SCENT ISN'T VERY STRONG TO ME WHICH IS FINE BECAUSE I WEAR PERFUME SO I DO NOT HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT THE SCENTS MIXING. I DEFINITELY RECOMMEND THIS REGIMEN TO ANYONE SUFFERING FROM DRY SKIN.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 27, 2026
★★★★★ 4
4.5/5; Great product, but smells strong
Scent: Sweet Vanilla & Soft Wood, Size: 10 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Context:
To start off, I should say that I have dry skin. Like, VERY dry skin. In purchasing this item, I wanted a product that I could consistently apply every single day to hydrate my skin.
Product:
The application of this stuff was like a dream. If you’ve ever tried using ANY sort of lotion (Lubriderm, Cetaphil, etc.) you’d know that usually it leaves that greasy texture on your hands that you have to wash off. This one doesn’t do ANY of that. The cream melts into your skin and absorbs very easily, unlike other lotions. I didn’t need that much to apply to my entire body. The results were great—my skin looked better and felt softer. If there was to be a con, it would be how strong the fragrance of the lotion is. This stuff smells STRONG. It’s not an unpleasant scent, but if you wanted to wear a perfume or body spray along with it, good luck because I can’t see a world where the cream won’t overpower or at least show through your preferred scent.
TLDR
Overall, good product with dreamlike application, but strength of scent could be dealbreaker for some.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2026