Urhobo altar figure, Nigeria - Lot 85

Urhobo altar figure, Nigeria This female figure embodies the wife of unedjo and may have been dedicated to a family cult. Its vertical facial scarification distinguishes it from Igbo sculptures. The wooden piece is coated with light, locally flaking crusty pigments.Cracks and missing parts 53 x 17 cm The Urhobos, living near the northwest of the Niger Delta river, form the main ethnic group of Delta State among the 36 states of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. They speak Urhobo, a language of the Niger-Congo group. Along with the Isoko, whose art is closely related, they are collectively known as the Sobo. Their large sculptures, depicting edjo, the spirits of nature, or the clan's founding ancestors, to whom sacrifices were offered, were grouped together in village shrines. They also produce figures similar to the ikenga of the Igbo, called iphri , ivwri ,half-animal, half-human. They personify male aggression and are intended for warriors and notables. However, after consultation with the diviner, miniature iphri in the form of geometric amulets can also be worn around the neck by young children.