Figure "ikenga" with sword and axe
Description
wood, encrusted black patina and kaolin, cord material, strong built with massive shoulder/breast area, “ichi” scarification marks on the face, holding sword and axe in his hands, slightly dam., traces of insect caused damage, missing parts (head), cracks, traces of old age and weathering;
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.