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Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
Shrine Figure (Ikenga)
Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
© Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami

Shrine Figure (Ikenga)

Datenot dated
Mediumwood
DimensionsOverall: 7 3/8 x 6 x 4 5/8 in. (18.7 x 15.2 x 11.7 cm)
ClassificationsVisual Works
Credit LineGift of Alan Potamkin
Terms
    Object number2012.2.23
    DescriptionThis distinctive small ikenga, or personal shrine, from the Ahoada region, are sometimes called okoba after the name of a town in the area. Okoba consist of a head emerging from a stool-like base and have, instead of horns, wing-like extrusions rising on either side of the head. This example also has carved forms framing the face that are probably intended to represent, at least in part, braided hair, but which appear as profile human figures when the object is viewed frontally. In spite of its unusual form, this okoba served the same purpose as a regular ikenga as a shrine belonging to an individual man, to which he could pray for assistance in any undertaking.
    On View
    Not on view
    Collections
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Nigeria, Igbo people
    not dated
    Shrine Figure (Ikenga)
    Nigeria, Igbo people
    not dated
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Nigeria, Igbo people
    mid 20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Nigeria, Igbo people
    not dated
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Nigeria, Igbo people
    20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Artist Unknown
    late 19th to early 20th century (printed 1992)
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Nigeria, Igbo people
    collected between 1960-1973
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Nigeria, Igbo people
    collected between 1960-1973
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Nigeria, Igbo people
    collected between 1960-1973
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Nigeria, Igbo people
    collected between 1960-1973
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Nigeria, Igbo people
    collected between 1960-1973
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Nigeria, Igbo people
    not dated