Statue for male aggression "iphri" ·  Nigeria, Isoko / Urhobo · ID: 3047391

Description

wood, kaolin, rest.

A stylistically close work, possibly from the same workshop, illustrated in Wittmer, 1978, ill. 100.

The spirit of the “iphri” is symbolized by the abstract beast with wide open teeth-revealing snout. To gain its support the “iphri” must be ritually fed every four days. For if this is neglected out of carelessness, it could become “hungry” and perhaps cause trouble. Most commonly offered were chalk (“oorhe”), cola nuts (“evwe”) and gin (“udi”).

The object Statue for male aggression “iphri” with the object ID 3047391 was last part of the auction 96th Auction at April 24, 2021 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house. The object with the lot number 225 achieved a sales price of EUR 2,500.

Here you will find more objects and interesting facts about African art.

Comparing literature

Wittmer, Marcilene K. & William Arnett, Three Rivers of Nigeria, Atlanta 1978