Funerary screen c. late 19th century

This funerary screen was crafted by the Kalabari people. The central figure, larger and crowned, represents the deceased ancestor. The figures flanking either side portray accompanying attendants. Note the rigid frontality and the stylized features, such as the large, almond-shaped eyes. These elements are not merely aesthetic choices but powerful symbols designed to evoke a sense of timelessness and spiritual authority. Similar motifs appear across cultures, from ancient Egyptian sarcophagi to Byzantine icons. The deceased are often represented with unwavering gazes that connect earthly and spiritual realms. The triangular patterns in the background remind me of similar geometric designs in other cultural contexts, reflecting fundamental human desires to find order in the chaos of existence. Such symbols resonate on a subconscious level, reminding us of the continuous cycle of life, death, and rebirth.