Figure "iphri" ·  Nigeria, Urhobo · ID: 3032574

Description

wood, encrusted matt patina, remains of pigments, human half figure rising from a stool-like base, sun helmet-like headgear, min. dam., minor missing parts through insect caused damage, fissures, on wooden base;
it alludes two distinct aspects of aggression: it inspires a warrior to defend his homeland, but it also controlls an aggressive individual. The use of an “iphri” is nearly an exclusively male phenomenon, women are seen as having neither the problem of uncontrollable aggression nor the need for aggressive powers. It must be fed every four days, otherwise it “gets hungry” and may become troublesome.

The object Figure “iphri” with the object ID 3032574 was part of the auction 68th tribal art auction on March 3, 2012. The object with the lot number 387 achieved a sales price of EUR 2,400 with an asking price of EUR 1,800.

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