Statue for male aggression "iphri" · Nigeria, Urhobo or Isoko · ID: 3044235
sold
EUR 2,300
Provenance
Alain Dufour, Saint Maur, France (collected in the 1970s)Size
H: 64,5 cm
H: 25.4 inch
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.
Comparing literature
Foss, Perkins (ed.), Where Gods and Mortals meet, New York 2004, p. 66 ff.