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.
Donor:
Richard N. Henderson, University Appropriation, and William Russell Bascom
Collection place:
Nnewi-ichi, Nigeria
Verbatim coll. place:
Africa; Nigeria; Nnewi-ichi; Ibo
Culture or time period:
Igbo
Materials:
Wood (plant material)
Object type:
ethnography
Function:
5.0 Use not specified (Ritual, Pageantry, and Recreation)