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Ancestral Shrine Figure (Male)

Igbo

Artwork Details

Ancestral Shrine Figure (Male)
circa 1940
Igbo
carved wood
4 ft. 9 in. x 12 7/8 in. x 8 7/8 in. (144.78 x 32.7 x 22.54 cm);4 ft. 9 in. x 12 7/8 in. x 8 7/8 in. (144.78 x 32.7 x 22.54 cm)
Anonymous Gift
1985/1.87

On Display

Not currently on display

Tags

Description

Among the Igbo of the north, wooden figures are carved to symbolize deities associated with the four days of the Igbo week and the local markets held on those days. They are housed in a decorated compound and are attended by priests who wash, polish, dress and present the figures on their special market day and annual ceremony of renewal. They receive offerings to honor and appease them. These gods are based on an idealized human model and show the attributes of wealth and power.

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