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Standing Male Figure Identified as Chief N'Ko

17th–18th century

Not on view

This standing figure with a slender, tensed torso and arms at its sides has been identified as Chief N’Ko. The absence of the head is explained in a statement by Chief N’Ko to the notables of N’Koum before his death: "I know that after our death, our great grandsons will know more comfortable centuries than our own; but to remind them that this ease comes from us, who have fought for their freedom, I ask that the head of my sculpture be cut off and buried with the rest of my body. This will remind them that numerous heads were severed for their liberty but if our faces have disappeared, our powers will lead them nonetheless." O. Traoré gathered commentary associated with the historical figures of Chiefs Appia, Mabana, and N’Ko from elders in the region in 1973, and relayed this information to Hélène Kamer.

Standing Male Figure Identified as Chief N'Ko, Wood, Mbembe peoples — This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Standing Male Figure Identified as Chief N'Ko, Wood, Mbembe peoples

Standing Male Figure Identified as Chief N'Ko, Wood, Mbembe peoples

This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Title: Standing Male Figure Identified as Chief N'Ko

Date: 17th–18th century

Geography: Nigeria, Ewayon River region, Cross River Province

Culture: Mbembe peoples

Medium: Wood

Dimensions: H. x W. x D.: 45 1/2 × 11 1/2 × 7 1/2 in. (115.6 × 29.2 × 19.1 cm) without its mount

Classification: Wood-Sculpture

Credit Line: Private Collection

The Met

The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing at The Met

The Met's collection of art of the peoples of sub-Saharan Africa, the Pacific Islands, and North, Central, and South America comprises more than eleven thousand works of art of varied materials and types, representing diverse cultural traditions from as early as 3000 B.C.E. to the present.