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Description

Carved, wooden ikenga figure. The figure has two conical-shaped, short legs that attach to a body consisting of two conically carved shapes without points (frustums) which taper inwards to join a central, larger cylinder. The two outer sections are incised with linear grooves, while the central section is carved with two triangular and two rectangular shapes in-filled with small, carved divots. The figure’s neck is long and rounded. The figure’s face is long with a pointed, flat-bottomed chin, small mouth, large flat nose and large, deeply carved eyes. The high forehead is slopping and angular. Extending directly upwards from the back of the head are two pointed, large horns running parallel to each other.

History Of Use

Ikenga (literally "strength of movement") is a horned spirit and one of the most powerful symbols for the Igbo people. Smaller figures were owned by individual men; larger ones were made for family and village shrines. Although taking on different forms, the figures always have a pair of ram’s horns, representing the animal’s strength and fortitude, characteristics like power, achievement and upward mobility, valued by men who regularly invoke them for success. Ikenga rarely stand alone; they appear on altars alongside other objects dedicated to chi or ndimmo (ancestors). This acknowledges achievements of individuals, as well as relationships with family and the creator. To affirm these relationships, the ensembles are given joint offerings. When ikenga do stand alone, sometimes in the sleeping quarters of their owners, the offerings they are given only acknowledge success in personal undertakings, such as hunting or trading expeditions. Annual feasts dedicated to ikenga provide further opportunity for the evaluation of personal achievement.