iv
Oracle Figure
“He who Speaks the Truth”
Oracle Figure (Kafigeledjo)
19th–mid-20th century
Côte d'Ivoire, northern Côte d'Ivoire
Senufo peoples
Wood, iron, bone, porcupine quills, feathers, commercially woven fiber, organic material
H. 32 7/16 × W. 14 1/2 × D. 5 1/2 in. (82.5 × 36.8 × 14 cm)
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
who are you am i
the question drapes
across you
travelers face
be still to be between
is i am
among that that is
the shadow of a drifting feather plays its song upon the rising ground
and frozen wide-eyed wanderings spread curious
imaginings far across our faces
mirroring the fear of choice’s scope
the corners of our mouth pull out
to wrap a noose into a fallen halo
desire is a blink
don’t blink
or passing, though I move, I cannot follow
patience waits to win its place
closed doors stare stone eyes
already it is am i
in you
by the look of you
the wordless speaker repeats
listen
listen
listen
what you think is the earth
is but a precipice
we are always here
where you’ve chosen not to see
where you’ve chosen not to see
there yet is always watching