Male figure

Nomoli Style · 15th-17th century

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.