Oron-ekpu Yoruba Totem Statue From Nigeria

Spectacular epku sculpture - Totem ORON from NIGERIA Representing an ancestor, guardian of the living.... Haughty attitude of this character carrying the symbols of their charge which is reminiscent of the representation of our kings of France. These statues were venerated. Offerings are brought to them during different phases of the cultivation of the fields. They also protect against diseases... Tribute to the memory of the ancestors in African art. These effigies of Oron ancestors were lined up in shrines and honored twice a year. They were placed in the village meeting hut to recall its history. The Oron are a small ethnic group located in the estuary of the Cross River. They are very close culturally to the Ibibio. The most famous statues are these commemorative statues called Ekpu, which were sculpted on the death of a notable. Wood with eroded black patina