African Art at the
Ralph Proctor Gallery"In Cultural Perspective"
Power Figure
- country: Zaire
- people: Woyo
- medium: wood
- size: 27x9x7 inches
- price: $1800. SOLD
- inventory #: rpg0004
This power figure was used to protect secret society members. In addition, members took oaths and sealed agreements by placing their hands on the figure. Members believe that if you lie while your hand is in contact with the figure, great harm, including death will befall you. This unusual figure represents a person pouring libations, a necessary beginning to any ceremony. Palm wine or hard liquor is poured on the ground as an offering to the gods and ancestors as they are called to come and guide the ceremony to a positive conclusion.