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West Africa, Nigeria, Igbo Ikenga, ca. early 20th century CE. A hand-carved wooden horned Alusi (deity) – an anthropomorphic figure with large, dramatically curled horns, holding a head in his left hand, and adorned with interesting black on yellow (animal coat like) body paint. In Igbo society, the Ikenga is a ritual object that symbolizes masculine strength as well as the ability to achieve great things using one’s own efforts. Igbo literally means “place of strength.” More minimalist forms of these figures are merely comprised of horns projecting from a wooden block, with the horns symbolizing the aggression of the male animal. This is a more realized figure in an animated crouching pose, carved in the round. Comes with round wood base. Size: 5.375″ W x 20.25″ H (13.7 cm x 51.4 cm)
Condition: Inactive insect losses as shown. Legs reattached. Age cracks and surface wear commensurate with age.
Provenance: ex-Adeon Gallery, Chicago, Illinois, USA, acquired prior to 1970
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