Description:

West Africa, Nigeria, Igbo peoples, ca. early to mid 20th century CE. A finely-constructed example of an abstract horned anthropomorphic figure known as an "ikenga." 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 spirit. This is a more realized figure with a head and vague body shape, carved three-dimensionally with details on all sides. The figure has been painted with bright red and white pigment, though only faded traces remain. This type of figure was made to be placed on a personal altar or hung above one with the attached twisted cord. Size: 3.375" W x 8.7" H (8.6 cm x 22.1 cm).

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

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#130639

  • Condition: Losses to areas of front and back, with fissures to base and body, fading to original pigmentation, and light encrustations. Nice earthen deposits and traces of original pigmentation throughout.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

January 24, 2019 7:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000