A nice Ikenga figure from Nigeria, Igbo (Ibo or Igala), also known as a figure for the 'Cult of the Hand'. These are very personal items for an Igbo male, who usually carves it himself. When greet one another, male do not say 'How are you?' but rather, 'How is you Ikenga?', signifying its importance in terms of one's strength and well-being. We note two types of Ikenga - one is almost cylindrical and very stylized, the other a figure seated upon a stool, two curled horns on the head with a knife in one hand and a 'head' in the other like seen on this example. Sometimes this type is painted and there may be traces of pigment beneath the crusty patina. From an old local collection. H: 18 1/2 in (47 cm). Mounted on a lucite base, the right arm was re-attached long ago and the entire piece with great style and eye appeal. Ex Venerable West S.F. Valley Collection.

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