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.

The object Ritual object with the object ID 3032084 was part of the auction 68th tribal art auction on March 3, 2012. The object with the lot number 371 achieved a sales price of EUR 1,200 with an asking price of EUR 650.

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Comparing literature

Eisenhofer, Stefan & Iris Hahner-Herzog et. al., Mein Afrika - Die Sammlung Fritz Koenig, München, London, New York 2000, p. 136