African Tribal Art - Urhobo Shrine Figure

French private collection.

The Urhobos, settled near the northwest Niger Delta River, are the main ethnic group in Delta State, one of the 36 states of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. They speak Urhobo, a language belonging to the Niger-Congo group. Along with the Isoko, whose art is similar, they are collectively called Sobo. Their large sculptures representing the spirits of nature, edjo, or the founding ancestors of the clan, to whom sacrifices were offered, were grouped in sanctuaries within the villages. In addition, they produce figures similar to the ikenga of the Igbo, called iphri or ivwri, half-animal, half-human in shape. These figures personify masculine aggression and are intended for warriors and notables. However, after consultation with the diviner, young children may also wear miniature iphri in the form of geometric amulets attached to the neck. This monoxyl female figure, embodying the wife of an edjo, adopts a seated position on a zoomorphic miniature. Her arched back highlights her chest, enhancing the figurines placed on her thighs. The base, indicating that the piece could constitute the top element of a post, is damaged. The vertical facial scarifications distinguish it from Igbo sculptures. Additionally, the piece is coated with crusty, locally flaking light pigments.

PLEASE NOTE THE PRICE OF TRANSPORT INCLUDES LOSS, THEFT, BROKENAGE INSURANCE.