Standing figure "ikenga" ·  Nigéria, Igbo · ID: 3034853

Description

wood, encrusted brown patina, abstract armless trunk, crowned by a massive pair of horns, min. dam., fine cracks, slight traces of abrasion;
“ikenga” figures are carved on the occasion of the foundation of a house because they symbolize strength and protection. When their owner died the figures were destroyed. 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.

Littérature comparée

Wittmer, Marcilene K., Arnett, William, Three Rivers of Nigeria, Atlanta 1978, p. 6