Igbo Clay Shrine Figure Sitting Nigeria African Art

Description

Title
Igbo Clay Shrine Figure Sitting Nigeria African Art
Type of Object
Clay Figure
Country of Origin
Nigeria
People
Igbo
Materials
Clay
Approximate Age
20th century
Height (in)
15.5
Width (in)
8
Depth (in)
9
Other Dimensions
Height: 15.5 Inches
Width: 8 Inches
Depth: 9 Inches
Overall Condition
Good. Most of our pieces have spent decades on at least two continents, and have been treasured by several owners. Small splits, scrapes and cracks are a normal part of their patina attesting to their age and extensive use.  We examine each piece carefully when we receive it and report any damage we find in our listings.  Please look carefully at the pictures which may also reveal condition and damage.
Damage/Repair
Minor chips
This Igbo figure is the quintessential African meditative figure.  Doesn’t it remind you of Indian paintings which are serene, straight-backed, and with arms and legs where you don’t expect them?
Elizabeth BEnnett
Additional Information:
The style of this figure recalls that found in the terra-cotta figures of the Igbo of Nigeria.  Among the Igbo Clay figures are known as ntekpe and have the function of "children" of the shrine or its deity. They are used to protect the shrine and assist the living members of the family. Priests and priestesses during rituals associated to their shrine will cover their bodies in white powder to celebrate the gods. Figures like this will receive offerings and gifts while sitting in her shrine.
For further information on  Igbo Clay  figures and examples see Karl-Ferdinand Schaedler (ed.). Earth and Ore. 2500 Years of African Art in Terra-cotta and metal, Panterra Verlag. Edition Minerva.1997.
WK0917
**117855**
All content, including pictures, Copyright Africa Direct Inc., 2021
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