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Urhobo Male Edjo Ikenga Warrior Statuette #341
$ 6,500.00 $ 3,250.00
- Urhobo Edjo Warrior Ikenga Statue
- In a seated posture, with a motionless face and a swollen trunk, as well as a mystical hat on top of the head, this Edjo Warrior Ikenga statue is holding a weapon in each hand.
- Living in the middle of the African forest, the Urhobo always believed that the Spirits of the Forest, the Edjo, influenced their daily lives. Warrior sculptures representing the Edjo are a tribute to the Spirits of the Forest, as well as to the Ancestors. They can be considered either evil or beneficial, and each Community has the duty of controlling them. The Edjo are subject to an almost daily Cult, and each Edjo has a dedicated Priest or Priestess.
- Ikenga is a personal god of human endeavor, achievement, success, and victory. Ikenga is grounded in. the belief that the power for a man to accomplish things is in his right hand. [2] It also governs over industry, farming, and blacksmithing, and is celebrated every year with an annual Ikenga festival.
- The Ikenga symbolizes personal achievement and power. Often holding a sword, it represents the owner's occupation and status. The Ikenga, adorned with ram's horns and intricate patterns, is a sacred symbol of hard work and mastery.
- Ikenga are mostly maintained, kept or owned by men and occasionally by women of high reputation and integrity in the Society. It comprises someone's Chi (personal God), his Ndichie (Ancestors), aka Ikenga (right hand), ike (power) as well as Spiritual activation through prayer and sacrifice.
- The Horns the most important part of the Ikenga.
- Rams are known for their strength and tenacity; they go into battle head first, and once two of them lock horns, they do not back down until one is defeated. The ram horns, therefore, represent the determination needed to face Life's Hurdles.
- The frontal scarifications are classic in the Art of the Urhobo.
- Estimated age: Between 1960 and 1970.
- Measurements: 70×22×21 cm
- Area of collection: Abuja, Nigeria