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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
Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
© Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami

Shrine Figure (Ikenga)

Datenot dated
Mediumwood
DimensionsOverall: 10 1/2 x 5 3/4 x 5 7/8 in. (26.7 x 14.6 x 14.9 cm)
ClassificationsVisual Works
Credit LineGift of Alan Potamkin
Terms
    Object number2012.2.22
    DescriptionAn ikenga is an ambodiment of a man's fate (chi), his character, his achievements, and his link with his ancestors. This example is the most basic form that an ikenga can have: a cylindrical base topped by horns. A simple head emerges from the base between the horns, and the base is embellished with chip-carving, a pervasive form of surface decoration on Igbo stools and wooden house panels, both of which are reflections of status in an Igbo community.
    On View
    Not on view
    Collections
    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
    not dated
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Bamana people
    20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Colima
    ca. 300 BCE-300 CE
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Bamileke 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
    Loma people
    not dated
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Artist Unknown
    18th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Maya (archaeological culture)
    ca. 600-900
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Vincenzo di Biagio Catena
    ca. 1510