Large male ancestor spirit figure "edjo" · Nigeria, Urhobo · ID: 3039006
Description
wood, coating of white chalk “oorhe” (as a magical sign of purity and otherworldliness), black pigment, characteristic features: elongated swelling forehead, jutting jaw terminated by two rows of bared teeth and double-tapered keloids “iwu”, strong traces of insect caused damage (both legs), both feet and right hand missing, cracks, rep. (hat), base;
such figures depict ancestor spirits - the founding men and women of a community whose power and fame were such that in time they were elevated to the status of “edjo”. One particular “edjo” is usually recognized as the “spirit of the town” “edjo r´ovwodo”. He is accompanied by a dozen of carved statues housed in a single shrine building “oguan redjo”, the site of daily, weekly, and most important, yearly rites of consecration. Here the figures are hidden from public view for all but a few days of the year. The community stages large annual festivals in honour of the “edjo r´ovwodo”, which include elaborate dances often accompanied by masquerade performances, lavish meals and extensive displays of wealth.
Comparing literature
Foss, Perkins (ed.), Where Gods and Mortals Meet, New York 2004, p. 81 ff.