Sculpture d'agression masculine "iphri" · Nigéria, Isoko / Urhobo · ID: 3047391
Vendu
2 500 €
Provenance
Old British Collection (coll. in the 1960s / 70s)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”).
Littérature comparée
Wittmer, Marcilene K. & William Arnett, Three Rivers of Nigeria, Atlanta 1978