Despite its appearance, this Igbo Ikenga style figure was probably made to be sold.
Despite its appearance, this Igbo Ikenga style figure was probably made to be sold.
There are cracks and wood loss virtually everywhere on this figure, most damaging is the loss of the left horn.
Ikenga is the embodiment of traditional male leadership and power among the Igbo. The shrine expresses their personal spirit, chi, a source of strength and courage. Ikenga visualizes the authority of leadership; the ability to sit in judgement and be a warrior-chief. The horns refer to the powerful and agressive nature of the ram.
---Christophe Rolley, www.artheos.org
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