Female figure "edjo re akare"
Description
wood, red and white pigment, black paint, small traces of indigo blue, sitting, characteristic facial features (the mouth situated at the tip of the chin, high forehead), carved with massive bracelets, dam., the surface severly marked through insect caused damage, missing parts (hands, headdress), plate;
presumably the female pendant to a male figure published: K.-F. Schädler, 1976, ill. 32
The “edjo re akare” statues are a tribute paid to ancestors through the portrayal of spirits of the forests, bearing the features of mythical warriors. These spirits, called “edjo” are considered by the Urhobo to be either potentially favourable or unfavourable to humans, where each community is responsible for controlling them. The statues are kept in “oguan re edjuo” sanctuaries, and are used for daily, weekly and, above all, annual consecration rites.