CC0 · no rights reserved
Male figure
From the collection of National Museum of African Art. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.
About this work
This figure wears a bracelet and headdress. The latter is a twisted band similar to examples worn by Temne chiefs at their installations. The figure rides either an elephant or a leopard. Because neither animal was ridden in West Africa, the relationship between the figure and the animal is probably symbolic. The elephant is a metaphor for the king's strength based on the support of a broad constituency, and the leopard represents the ruler's unbridled power to administer justice, to seize what is naturally his and to protect his people.
National Museum of African Art’s own descriptionSubjects
Credit lineMale figure. 15th-17th century. Nomoli Style. National Museum of African Art, Museum purchase. CC0.
