Igbo Ikenga Seated Figure Holding Vessel Nigeria Rohner Collection

The Igbo, one of Nigeria's largest ethnic groups, have a rich sculptural tradition and vibrant masking performances. With a history dating back at least 1,400 years, demonstrated by the bronzes at Igbo Ukwu, their art is diverse, encompassing various forms, materials, and sub-styles influenced by history and environment. Publicly displayed art serves as reminders of ancestors and spirits from the Igbo pantheon, reflecting a complex belief system that includes deities called alusi. These alusi represent forces of nature, places, and principles of good and evil, embodied as sculpted human figures in cult shrines. Ritual practices involve addressing and offering to these figures for the well-being of the community, including ensuring good crops, childbirth, and moral conduct. The intricacies of Igbo carving include various sub-styles, making it challenging to attribute specific figures to particular villages.

Igbo Ikenga figures typically take a form between that of animals and humans, with large horns often present on the figures' heads, meant to depict a horned god of the name "Ikenga." These figures symbolize many things, from the passage of time to masculinity and achievement. Regardless of what symbol is attributed to them, Ikenga figures are powerful, symbolic artifacts of the Igbo people.

The figure's base is heavily eroded. Cracks and surface damage are present. See photos for more details.

Provenance: John R. Rohner Collection
Rohner, a museum curator for decades, aimed his practiced eye for authenticity to African art beginning in the early 1980s. His passion for this art only grew through the decades he built his collection––always with an aim for a broad and representative array of pieces. The collection appears in his book, Art Treasures from African Runners (2000, University Press of Colorado). 

Item #141 on pg. 84

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