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Magnificent Igbo People wood 'Ikenga Cult' Figure browse these categories for related items... All Items: Antiques: Regional Art: African: Artifacts: Pre 1920: item # 1066203
ArtAncient Ltd. Antiquities for Sale West Hampstead London, United Kingdom +44 (0)1223 655 498 Guest Book 1750.00 |
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| A magnificent, provenanced piece of Tribal Art. This exceptional Igbo people Ikenga Statue dates to the early 20th Century and originates from Nigeria. The Igbo are a tribe of approximately eight million who occupy the northern part of the Niger River delta in the West African state of Nigeria. This is an area of forests and fertile swampland, exploited by the Igbo, who are skilled farmers. Power is concentrated in the hands of the Elders, but this is counter-balanced by secret societies. The figure depicts a seated, horned male, his forehead scarred and his mouth open to reveal his teeth. In his right hand he holds a curved blade and in his left he holds a decapitated head, its eyes half closed and its forehead scarred centrally. He is nude with the exception of a shawl. He wears bangles on his arms and legs and a necklace around his neck. The theme is very clearly one of a 'headhunter'. Ikenga figures such as this are some of the most well known and sought-after types of Tribal art. Not only are they of great artistic merit, but they are a fascinating and integral part of the Igbo Culture. Ikenga figures are kept on altars, hence their flat base, and receive prayers and libations before important events. They are used for protection, good luck and strength as well as to symbolize the power and courage that Igbo warriors aspire to. These qualities are particularly evident in this example, which is one of the finest such figures we have seen. Height, mounted: 34 inches. Provenance: Originally field collected in the 1960's by Josef Lagergren, Swedish missionary working in the Kongo and Benin. Subsequently sold in 1969 by Gallery Leger, Sodra Vagen, Gothenburg. Subsequently in the collection of architect, Kalle Jonsson. Ex Bonhams. Ex British Private collection. | ||
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