SKU: 81575968174

Yela Ofika Figure, Congo #992

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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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SKU: 81575968174

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bikerider
Pawtucket, US
★★★★★ 5
These Mop Pads Made My Hardwood Floors Shine Again!
Color: L40 Ultra Mop Pad, Color: L40 Ultra Mop Pad
I picked up this 8‑pack of mop pads for my Dreame X40 Ultra, and they’re exactly what I needed. These attach with Velcro, so swapping them out is as simple as pulling off the old pad and pressing on the new one. No tools, no fuss. My original pads lasted a long time, but nothing beats the feeling of putting on fresh, fluffy mop pads and watching the robot make the floors shine again. These are the same size, same fit, same performance as the originals. 🧹 Compatibility Dreame and MOVA are basically sister companies, so these pads don’t just fit the X40 Ultra — they also work with a ton of other models, including: - L40 Ultra - X40 Ultra - X50 Ultra - L50 Ultra - L10S Ultra - L10S Pro Ultra Heat - L10S Ultra Gen2 - L40S Ultra - X30 Ultra - L10 Ultra - And yes — MOVA models like the E40 Ultra If you’ve got a Dreame or MOVA robot, chances are these pads will fit perfectly. 🪵 Cleaning Performance These pads leave my hardwood floors looking clean and streak‑free. The robot spins them with enough pressure to lift dirt, dust, and whatever the dogs track in. Fresh pads always make a difference, and this pack gives you plenty of backups. 💰 Value Eight pads at this price is a steal. OEM pads cost way more, and these perform just as well. Great fit, great quality, great results. ⭐ Final Thoughts Easy to install, perfect compatibility, and they make my floors look amazing. Couldn’t be happier with the purchase. I’ll definitely keep a pack of these on hand.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 29, 2026
P
Prosumer
Battle Creek, US
★★★★★ 5
Exceptional Value – Identical Quality to OEM Parts!
Color: L40 Ultra Accessories, Color: L40 Ultra Accessories
I recently received this replacement accessories kit for my robot vacuum, and I couldn't be more impressed. To be honest, I was a bit skeptical at first—usually, when you buy third-party bundles, you expect some trade-off in material quality or fit, but that is absolutely not the case here. Packaging & Delivery The kit arrived exactly as described and was packaged very securely. Everything was organized neatly inside the box, ensuring that the side brushes weren't bent and the HEPA filters remained pristine during transit. It’s clear the manufacturer took care to make sure the product arrives in perfect condition. Quality & Performance After comparing these parts side-by-side with the original factory components, I genuinely cannot see any difference in quality. • The Main Brushes: The rubber material feels durable and has the same flexibility as the original, picking up hair and debris without any issues. • The Mop Pads: These are thick, absorbent, and the Velcro backing aligns perfectly with the vacuum’s mop plates. • Filters & Bags: The HEPA filters fit snugly with a proper seal, which is crucial for maintaining suction power, and the dust bags are made of a thick, multi-layer material that feels very reliable. Final Thoughts This set is a fantastic value. Buying these components individually or from the name brand would easily cost double or triple the price. You get a massive supply of consumables that will likely last me over a year. If you are looking for a way to maintain your vacuum’s peak performance without overspending on "official" replacements, this is the kit to get. Everything snaps into place effortlessly and works perfectly. Highly recommended!
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Reviewed in the United States on March 19, 2026
H
Hidden for Security Purposes
West Palm Beach, US
★★★★★ 4
Great Vacuum Kit
Color: L40 Ultra Accessories, Color: L40 Ultra Accessories
I'm not sure if I didn't read carefully enough, or if the title/description changed afterward, but I got this for our Dreame X50, which is similar to the X40 but not quite the same. It looks like everything in this kit will work with ours, except the rollers. The rest of it, the bags, the filters, and the brushes, look the same though, and I can confirm that the mop pads work. Overall, it looks like a great set, full of everything you'd need to freshen up the robot that keeps your house fresh.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 3, 2026
A
AJX8141
Pawtucket, US
★★★★★ 5
Great replacement mop pads that hold up well through multiple washes
Color: L40 Ultra Mop Pad
I've been really happy with these replacement mop pads for my x30 Ultra Dreame robot vacuum. They snap on and off easily without any tools, which makes swapping them out between cleaning sessions quick and hassle-free. The microfiber material feels dense and absorbent — comparable to the original pads that came with the unit — and they do a solid job picking up grime on my hard floors, including tile and laminate. Getting 8 pads in a pack is a great value. I rotate through them regularly and toss a few in the washing machine at a time, and so far they've held their shape and absorbency well after repeated washes. No fraying or velcro attachment issues yet. My only minor complaint is that the fit can feel slightly less snug than the OEM pads, but once the robot is running, they stay in place fine and perform just as well. Overall, a solid third-party option that saves you money without sacrificing cleaning performance.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2026
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Charles
Pawtucket, US
★★★★★ 5
Original equipment quality
Color: L40 Ultra Accessories
Perfect set. I held back on this review until I had to chance to try everything, and it is "OEM" quality in every way. The mop heads fit securely and are the right size and texture. The filters are exactly right and appear to be high quality materials and snug up properly. The rollers fit correctly and last as long as the originals. The brushes appear to be the same thing. Finally, the bags themselves fit well and snap shut for disposal. I would be hard pressed to tell the difference, and moreover the cost difference from original is extreme (4X or more). I'm ordering another set.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 3, 2026

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