Sitting female figure ·  Nigeria, Idoma/Igala · ID: 3037172

Description

wood, middle brown patina, remains of white and indigo blue pigment, incised scarifications, slightly dam., missing parts (right foot), traces of insect caused damage (back), cracks (face);
the earliest known wood images of the Idoma, called “ekwotame” (=“spirit-with-breasts”), served as prototype for later shrine carvings called “anjenu”, which came from interactions with the Igala around 1900. These cult images represent bush or water spirits. “Anjenu” spirits possess people (mostly woman) and make them sick, yet if properly propitiated, they can also cure. Most womens afflictions are related to issues of fertility and health, and women are the main adherents of the “anjenu” cult.

Expertise

Karl-Ferdinand Schädler, 01.05.2003, Munich

Comparing literature

Cole, Herbert M., Invention and Tradition, Munich, London, New York 2012, p. 84