Collection place: British West Africa (historic) / Culture or time period: Igbo / Accession number: Acc.1770 - Hearst Museum Portal Search Results

Start Over Collection place British West Africa (historic) Culture or time period Igbo Accession number Acc.1770

Hearst Museum object titled Human figurine, accession number 5-3380, described as Wooden figure; Ikenga; horned; stylized body; made of Ikoro wood; 14.5 inches high.

Hearst Museum object titled Human statue, accession number 5-3379, described as Seated wooden figurine; “Ikenga;” horned; left hand with club, right hand with sword; made of “Ikoro” wood. Height 36.5 cm. The name “Ikenga” literally means “strength progresses” (according to some informants). This is a personal spirit representing one’s own good fortune as achieved through aggressive effort. These are kept along with other idols and worshipped, given sacrifice at ceremonies. The naturalistic ones probably represent the spirit of the living man.