Seated figure "ikenga" · Nigeria, Igbo · ID: 3032576
Description
wood, remains of polychrome paint, projecting ram horns, min. dam., cracks, traces of insect caused damage, minor missing parts;
an “ikenga” figure is carved on the occasion of the foundation of a house, because it represents strength and protection. It will be destroyed in case of the owner’s death. The horns are the most important part of the figure, they are related to the god of thunder. “Ikenga” figures are formed variable, they can be carved naturalistic or abstract.
The object Seated figure “ikenga” with the object ID 3032576 was last part of the auction 68th tribal art auction at March 3, 2012 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house. The object with the lot number 370 achieved a sales price of EUR 800.
You can find more Figures and other popular object types on our related topic pages. You may also be interested in our page on African art.
Comparing literature
Wittmer, Marcilene K., Arnett, William, Three Rivers of Nigeria, Atlanta 1978, p. 6
Publications
Schädler, Karl-Ferdinand, Afrika, Maske und Skulptur, Olten 1989, ill. 82