Standing figure "ikenga" ·  Nigéria, Igbo · ID: 3033359

Description

wood, encrusted sacrificial patina, cylindrical armless torso, stylized facial features, surmounted by a pair of horns, min. dam., cracks, minor missing parts, traces of abrasion, on wooden base;
an “ikenga” figure is carved on the occasion of the foundation of a house, because it represents strength and protection. It will be destroyed in case of the owner’s death. The horns are the most important part of the figure, they are related to the god of thunder. “Ikenga” figures are formed variable, they can be carved naturalistic or abstract.