Description:

West Africa, Nigeria, Igbo peoples, ca. mid 20th century CE. A fine, aged example of a horned anthropomorphic wooden figure. 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. Most of these figures are simple, sometimes merely horns projecting from a wooden block, with the horns symbolizing the aggression of the male animal. This example is a much more realized figure with a dramatic horned head and fully realized body, carved three-dimensionally with details on all sides. The hands hold two objects, a fish and a human face mask; the figure also wears a skirt that exposes his male genitalia. This type of figure was made to be placed on a personal altar. Size: 4.8" L x 4.75" W x 14.95" H (12.2 cm x 12.1 cm x 38 cm); 15.8" H (40.1 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: Adeon Gallery, Chicago, Illinois, USA, acquired prior to 1970

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#126071

  • Condition: Surface cracks and losses commensurate with age. Small areas of inactive insect damage.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

November 21, 2017 7:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000