Igbo Ikenga figure, Nigeria - Lot 70

Igbo Ikenga figure, Nigeria Most often wearing a high, intricate horned headdress, this type of African statue features a figure with attributes such as jewelry and scarification marks, seated on a stool. The warrior brandishes a knife and a human head. Darker zoomorphic motifs have been traced on the bust, which has been whitened with white clay. Grainy matte patina. Some marks of woodworm. 94 x 22 cm This ethnic group is located in the southern Niger Delta region of Nigeria. The Ikenga is a personal altar belonging to a man. It is the symbol of personal achievement and success (okpossi), the representation of his guardian spirit (chi, vital energy), and the recipient of sacrifices offered periodically or prior to the undertaking of an important action (most often to ifejioku, the yam deity, or ale, the earth goddess). In addition, ike , "power", refers to the force exerted by the right hand in the effort. Closely linked to a secret warrior society, it is also an expression of personal determination (ivri).