Figure

Item number 3055/13 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

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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. 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.