Western Africa, Nigeria, Igbo peoples, ca. early to mid 20th century CE. A hand-carved wooden horned alusi (deity) - an anthropomorphic figure with large, dramatically curled horns, holding a head in his left hand, and adorned with interesting black-on-yellow body paint reminiscent of an animal coat. In Igbo society, the ikenga is a ritual object that symbolizes masculine strength as well as the ability to achieve great things through one's own efforts. Igbo literally means "place of strength." More minimalist forms of these figures are merely comprised of horns projecting from a wooden block, with the horns symbolizing the aggression of the male animal. This is a more-realized figure seated atop an integral stool with attenuated legs covered by a pleated skirt. Custom wooden display stand included. Size: 13.5" H (34.3 cm); 14" H (35.6 cm) on included custom stand.
Provenance: ex-Adeon Gallery, Chicago, Illinois, USA acquired prior to 1970
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#130797
Condition
Losses to one arm, portion of base, part of one foot, and area of verso. Age-commensurate surface wear and abrasions as expected, chipping and discoloration to pigmentation, several stable hairline fissures, fading to some carved details, and minor inactive insect damage. Nice earthen deposits and pigmentation remains throughout.