|
HOME :
African & Tribal Art :
Igbo, Urhobo : Igbo Wooden Alusi Sculpture
|
 |
|
|
|
Igbo Wooden Alusi Sculpture - PF.4687
Origin: Southeastern Nigeria
Circa: 19
th
Century AD
to 20
th
Century AD
Dimensions:
41" (104.1cm) high
x 7" (17.8cm) wide
Collection: African
Style: Igbo
Medium: Wood and Metal
£4,500.00
Location: Great Britain
|
|
|
| Description |
The Igbo (also spelled Ibo) have a great fondness
for music and dance, as well as the visual arts.
All three are fundamental parts of ceremonies;
yet only art can represent the ancestors and
divinities for who the ceremonies are held. At
the time when ancestors are said to walk the
earth, a drum is sounded and the statues are
brought from the sanctuary and placed along the
wall for all the people to see. They are usually
painted red, yellow and white, and decked with
accessories such as eagle feathers, jewelry, and
headdresses to make them even more beautiful.
This very elegant statue is in classic Ibo style;
upright pose, highly symmetrical, arms held
away from the body, palms open. The linear
quality adds greater height, accentuated by the
remarkably effective conical headdress, which
fits snugly like a cap. As part of the decoration,
it is embossed with nails hammered through
metal circles. This design is continued in an
arrangement on the stomach, with a vertical line
of six nails intersected by one on either side,
creating a cross configuration. This probably
represents ritual scarification, as does the
amazing ridge pattern on the neck. The
beautifully textured effect is complimented by
the waistband formed of rings or coils like a
stack of bracelets. Thick bracelets on the upper
arms are balanced by bangles on the lower
portion of the legs. All of these ornaments
indicate wealth and social standing. The overall
appearance is a stunning example of subtle
balance and equilibrium very pleasing to the eye.
Seeing this superb statue we can easily
understand why the Ibo were very proud of their
statuary; not only as works of art, but as suitable
"abodes" for their cherished ancestors.
- (PF.4687)
|
| |
|
