Description

Antique African wooden Igbo Ikenga fetish: The Igbo people, creators of unforgettable artworks, are a people that live in eastern Nigeria. Ikenga figures are known by lovers of african art as one of the most interesting styles from that area. Ikenga is a ‘ritual object’ (commonly found in Igbo family shrines), which on an individual basis represents ‘masculine strength’ and the ‘ability to achieve one’s goals through one’s efforts’ Ikenga (Igbo literal meaning “place of strength”) is a horned Alusi (deity) found among the Igbo people in southeastern Nigeria. It is one of the most powerful symbols of the Igbo people and the most common cultural artifact. Ikenga is mostly maintained, kept or owned by men and occasionally by women of high reputation and integrity in the society. It comprises someone’s Chi (personal god), his Ndichie (ancestors), aka Ikenga (right hand), ike (power) as well as spiritual activation through prayer and sacrifice.

This statuette is very old and its consistence tells us much about the humid climate where it was used. These are distinctive signs of autenticity that make it even more fascinating.

Size: height 41 cm.
Origin: Igbo people, appr. 1920s