Ritual object · Nigeria, Igbo · ID: 3032084
Description
horse skull, blackish brown patina, in rattan wickerwork, min. dam., slight traces of abrasion, metal base;
to the Igbo horses were especially precious sacrificial animals which only rich people could afford, even if for burial or for adoption of a title. Accordingly it is known, that in the context of funeral services for high-esteemed deceased a horse was killed and its skin used as shroud. Even during a ceremony, held for support of the so-called “horse title”, the ritual horse ride was followed by the killing of the animal. The horse skull, a sign of the high rank of its owner, was attached to the walls of the mens house or to the altar of the ancestors.
Comparing literature
Eisenhofer, Stefan & Iris Hahner-Herzog et. al., Mein Afrika - Die Sammlung Fritz Koenig, München, London, New York 2000, p. 136