**First Time At Auction**

Western Africa, Nigeria, Igbo peoples, ca. early to mid 20th century CE. A hand-carved wooden anthropomorphic shrine figure known as an "ikenga." The figure has a pair of broad horns projecting from atop its abstract rectangular body, with a stylized face surrounded by columns of nubbin-shaped protrusions, all atop a conical base. The figure is painted with a dark-brown pigment, though much of the body is now covered in thick earthen deposits. 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. Simple forms of these figures are merely horns projecting from a wooden block, with the horns symbolizing the aggression of the male animal. This is a more realized figure with a head and vague body shape, carved three-dimensionally with details on all sides. Size: 3.75" W x 6.625" H (9.5 cm x 16.8 cm).

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

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#130782

Age-commensurate surface wear and abrasions as shown, small losses to horns, face, body, and base, with fading to some carved features, and minor inactive insect damage. Nice earthen deposits and pigmentation remains throughout.