Figure (Ikenga)
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Object Label
This personal shrine reflects the great value the Igbo place on individual achievement. Personal shrines are created in the form of figures known as ikenga to honor the power and skills of a person's right hand, as the right hand holds the hoe, the sword, and the tools of craftsmanship. The basic form of an ikenga is a human figure with horns symbolizing power, sometimes reduced to only a head with horns on a base.
Caption
Igbo, Okoba. Figure (Ikenga), early 20th century. Wood, 8 1/4in. (21cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Uzi Zucker, 79.117.1. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Culture
Title
Figure (Ikenga)
Date
early 20th century
Geography
Place made: Ahoada or Okoba region, Rivers or Imo State, Nigeria
Medium
Wood
Classification
Dimensions
8 1/4in. (21cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Uzi Zucker
Accession Number
79.117.1
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