Figure debout "ikenga" ·  Nigéria, Igbo · ID: 3042583

Description

wood, encrusted brown patina, remains of pigments, min. dam., missing part (right foot tip), cracks, slight traces of abrasion, base.
Young man acquire “ikenga” at varying ages. An “ikenga” is consecrated in the presence of one’s lineage and/or age-mates. “Ikenga” is treated as a being, a spirit, “mmuo”, which will remain with its owner/guardian until his death. If devout, he will “feed” it daily with kola and wine, and periodically especially before an important undertaking, he will offer the sacrificial blood of a cock, ram, or goat to induce the spirit to help him succeed and again later to thank it for achieved success.