Shrine Figure c. 20th century

sculpture, wood

3d sculpting

structure

stone

sculpture

sculptural image

unrealistic statue

sculpting

dark shape

sculpture

wood

natural form

statue

This wooden shrine figure, carved by Ijo artist, is a striking example of African art. The figure is characterized by its simplified, almost geometric, form, with a large head and a stylized body. The figure's prominent features are a flat face with a wide mouth and protruding eyes, which, along with the exaggerated genital area, could be interpreted as fertility symbols. This figure was likely used in rituals or ceremonies to connect with the spiritual realm and is a powerful example of the role that art played in traditional African societies.

Comments

minneapolisinstituteofart about 1 year ago

⋮

While some African cultures send their deceased into the afterlife with worldly possessions, or build tombs close to home to maintain connections, other cultures dedicate shrines to their loved ones that support both the living and the dead. The Ijo people of Nigeria have elaborate funeral practices that include carving shrine figures like the one on view here. The figure wears a European hat, a locally recognized sign of power and prestige. It signifies that the deceased was someone of a higher class, probably a wealthy trader who had access to, and control over, trade with Europeans.