Shrine Figure (Ikenga)
Unknown Artist
possibly early 1900s
Medium
Wood, organic materials, and raffia
Dimensions
{"overall":{"height":0.745,"width":0.18,"depth":0.2}}
Classification
Sculpture
Department
African Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Severance and Greta Millikin Purchase Fund
Accession Number
2015.72
About this artwork
This seated figure of a man holding a cutlass and an inverted human skull is a cult object called ikenga, associated with achievement and success. Standing at the center of a man’s personal shrine, the sculpture receives prayers and sacrifices in return for the ancestors’ guidance. An elaborate headdress comprising two horn-like extensions reinforces the cult’s preoccupation with masculinity, while facial incisions known as ichi refer to membership in one of many male associations.