African Art Collection

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• Igala Figure 
• Dimensions: H:12" x W 31/4"
• Age: Early 20th century
• Orgin: Niger
• Cultural Group: Igala

A standing wood figure likely female with an elongaed torso, hand/fingers and feet articulated, refined carved facial features and striated coiffure; arms held akimbo; painted black overall and decorated with white and red painted areas on the face, torso, and legs.

Igala is an ethnic group in Nigeria. The home of Igala people is situated on the Eastern side of the river Niger and Benue confluence. They are the major ethnic group in present Kogi state of Nigeria, West Africa. As Africans they belong to the Kwa subgroups of the Niger Congo language family.

Condition: Good condition; intact; with insect damage to the back; wood is pocked, pitted and chipped throught; heavy, rich, and dark patina overallall indicators of age and use.

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• Idoma Female Figure
• Dimensions: H14" x W 41/2"
• Age:Mid 20th Century
• Origin: Nigeria
• Cultural Group: Idoma 

A squatting female figure with elaborate carved coiffure; detailed carved facial features; polychrome painted in black, red, and white.

This figure is likely a representation of the female Aneju spirit with a characteristic white face. The Idoma place Aneju figures in shrines to appease bush spirits who inhabit the termite mounts and rivers and who control the destiny of living.

Living at the confluence of the Benue and Niger Rivers, the 500,000 Idoma people are predominantly farmers and traders. As farmers, they have a long market tradition among neighboring ethnic groups. The resurrection of the dead is an important element of their religion, and the cult of the spirits of the nature is celebrated through the mediation of masks and figures preserved in shrines. In particular, a protective spirit lives in the water of the forest and may appear in dreams. Artisitcally they have acheived a reputation for their ancestor figures. Thus, the ancestor figure represents the idea of lineage. The Idoma believe in a creator god, but different cults are entrusted to the various societies. 

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• Ikenga Headdress
• Dimensions:H 14 1/2" x W 5"
• Age: Early 20th Century
• Origin: Nigeria
• Cultural Group: Ikenga/Igbo

A tall wood headdress of elongated form with a flared base; oval face with curled horns; stylized features; painted polychrome in yellow, red, and black; carved facial features and scarification patterning.

The Igbo are a large population who inhabit the Niger-Benue River Valley area of eastern central Nigeria. A diverse population, they have absorbed many influences from surrounding cultures, and as a result their artwork contains great stylistic diversity. Igbo culture embraces the idea of a wide variety of gods, rather than being exclusive to one or several gods.

The Ikenga typically received offerings such as farm produce (sacrifices for the yam deity,ifejioku), prayers to the physical power (the power of the right hand and arm, the obo, and the right hand cult, aka nri, literally "hand of the food), and stands for personal determination (ivri) in warrior secret society.