1969.S.199 Standing female figure (mbem)

The Yanzi employ a variety of sculpted figures in rituals to assure their well-being. A series of figures called mbem were used in specific situations to protect against disease, reverse infertility that could ironically be caused by mbem, or identify wrongdoers. Some mbem were used to reinforce the authority of the head of an extended family or cause a woman to become sterile if she lied about an adulterous relationship under oath before an mbem. Grandmothers, in addition to chiefs and male heads of extended families, were entitled to own mbem to reinforce their authority over the women in their families.

Mbem figures have few realistic physiological details. The hands and feet of this small female figure, for example, are faceted geometric forms. Diagonal striations incised on her face replicate scarification that was in fashion when the statue was carved.

The upward thrust of her hairstyle opposes the V-shaped ears, which, in turn, oppose the larger V-shaped arms and shoulders. Traces of red camwood paste indicate that a ritual specialist consecrated the mbem. When in use, it was probably dressed in a raffia cloth, adorned with a necklace, and smelled of tobacco.

n.d.: Clark and Frances Stillman Collection, Dallas, Texas/New York

1969: Dallas Museum of Fine Arts, gift of Eugene and Margaret McDermott [1]

[1] The name of the Dallas Museum of Fine Arts, founded in 1933, was changed to the Dallas Museum of Art in 1983.

Apply to objects where number equals 1969.S.199