Statue for male aggression "iphri" ·  Nigeria, Urhobo · ID: 3051996

Description

wood, sacrificial patina, 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. 18