Male Figure 1900 - 1925

This wooden "Male Figure" was created by the Yombe people, and it stands as a profound symbol of power and continuity. The emphasis on the figure's genitalia is not merely anatomical, but deeply symbolic, referencing the life force and ancestral lineage. Consider how phallic imagery appears across cultures, from the ancient Greek depictions of Priapus to the fertility figures found in various indigenous traditions. In each case, the symbol transcends simple representation, tapping into primal notions of creation and vitality. The Yombe figure, with its deliberate gesture, engages viewers on a subconscious level, evoking powerful emotions tied to our own origins. The figure’s posture and expression adds layers of meaning, perhaps conveying a sense of authority, and the symbolic language of power. The motifs embodied in this figure remind us that these symbols are not static but in constant flux. The Yombe "Male Figure" invites us to reflect on the cyclical progression of cultural symbols, forever resurfacing, evolving, and taking on new meanings across time.