Couple of shrine figures "alusi" · Nigeria, Igbo · ID: 3037143
sold
EUR 3,200
Provenance
Manfred Schäfer, Ulm, GermanySize
H: 117 cm resp. 123 cm
H: 46.1 inch resp. 48.4 inch
Description
wood, partly encrusted patina, remains of pigments, male/femal, angled arms, presenting the palms of the hands, both with “ichi” scarifications on the forehead, the female with loincloth and anklet, rep. (breakage at the left foot of the male), fine cracks, traces of insect caused damage, slight traces of abrasion, base;
such figures were used to be kept in ritual houses of communities and families. Once a year they were presented in public. The relationship between man and deity was strengthened by celebration and sacrifices.
Expertise
Karl-Ferdinand Schädler, 03.09.2003, Munich
Comparing literature
Wittmer, Marcilene K. & William Arnett, Three Rivers of Nigeria, Atlanta 1978, p. 15