Statue for male aggression "iphri" ·  Nigeria, Urhobo or Isoko · ID: 3044235

Description

wood, separately carved amulet pouch, rest. (horns), base

Each “iphri” was originally owned by a single individual, usually a prominent hunter or warrior and was kept in his house.

The “iphri” must be fed. Offerings are presented to its open mouth. This feeding must be done every four days. If one fails to perform regular feeding, it is said that the “iphri” “gets hungry” and may become troublesome.

The object Statue for male aggression “iphri” with the object ID 3044235 was last part of the auction 89th Tribal Art Auction at July 7, 2018 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house. The object with the lot number 306 achieved a sales price of EUR 2,300.

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Comparing literature

Foss, Perkins (ed.), Where Gods and Mortals meet, New York 2004, p. 66 ff.