Object Details
- Label Text
- The ikenga is the symbol of what an Igbo man achieves through his own work rather than inheritance or luck or the will of the gods.Generally the wood carvings consist of three parts: projecting horns, a human figure or stylized face and a stool-like base. Rituals involving the ikenga center on personal success and social achievement. Traditionally among the Igbo peoples, advancement occurs through title taking, which is based on wealth and on promotion through a series of grades based on the individual's ability to pay entrance fees.
- Description
- Wood stylized head with two flat horns projecting from the head and four open triangular projections from the circular base. Face has open, oval mouth, projecting triangular nose and eyes suggested by shallow indentations and the residue of eye sockets visible.
- Provenance
- Eliot Elisofon, New York, -- to 1973
- Content Statement
- As part of our commitment to accessibility and transparency, the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art is placing its collection records online. Please note that some records are incomplete (missing image or content descriptions) and others reflect out-of-date language or systems of thought regarding how to engage with and discuss cultural heritage and the specifics of individual artworks. If you see content requiring immediate action, we will do our best to address it in a timely manner. Please email nmafacuratorial@si.edu if you have any questions.
- Image Requests
- High resolution digital images are not available for some objects. For publication quality photography and permissions, please contact the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives at https://africa.si.edu/research/eliot-elisofon-photographic-archives/
- Data Source
- National Museum of African Art
- Maker
- Igbo artist
- Date
- Mid-20th century
- Credit Line
- Bequest of Eliot Elisofon
- Medium
- Wood, pigment
- Dimensions
- H x W x D: 28.6 x 12.1 x 7.9 cm (11 1/4 x 4 3/4 x 3 1/8 in.)
- Type
- Figure
