An Igbo Shrine Figure, "alusi"

Shrine figure, "agbara" Igbo, Nigeria, Imo state, Mbieri (city) Mit Sockel / with base Wood. H 77 cm. Provenance: - Roger Budin (1928-2005), Geneva. - Gallery Walu, Zurich. - Jean David, Basel (1997). Published: Field photograph in "Igbo Arts, Community and Cosmos". Cole, Herbert M. / Aniakor, Chike A. (1984). Los Angeles: Museum of Cultural History, UCLA. Fig. 180. Ancestor figure from the Iyi Afo shrine in Mbieri. The town, originally called Mbaeri, a suburb of the federal capital Owerri in southeastern Nigeria (Imo State), is named after one of the indigenous Igbo clans that conquered parts of the old Owerri province. Iyi Afo is the supernatural spirit being of the rivers, descended from Ala (Mother Earth). Any offering to this deity must go through Ala and her permission must be sought, as she is the mother and protector of all villagers. ----------------------------------------------------- The interplay of forces is of great importance in the world view of the Igbo everywhere. This movement is also reflected in their art, which takes on very lively and dynamic traits. This figure, called agbara (also alusi), represents the embodiment of a protective deity, which was kept in a shrine and ritually worshipped. Occasionally it was washed, dyed with redwood powder, ochre and kaolin and presented in public. During these ceremonies, people's relationships with the deities were strengthened through sacrifices (e.g. kola nuts, money or chalk) and the recitation of prayers of thanks and supplication for a rich harvest and prosperity. For the Igbo, beauty had a physical and moral dimension. The long neck, the fine nose, the decorative body painting and the elaborate hairstyle were considered ideals of beauty. This impressive figure with its sublime aura reveals precisely these attributes in exemplary fashion. Further reading: Cole, Herbert M. / Aniakor, Chike C. / Attah Alexander Okwudor / Jenkins, Della / Littlefield Kasfir, Sidney / Weston, Bonnie E. (1984). Igbo Arts. Community and Cosmos. Los Angeles: University of California ; Museum of Cultural History. CHF 2 400 / 3 200 Condition: The condition (wear, eventual cracks, tear, other imperfections and the effects of aging etc. if applicable) of this lot is as visible on the multiple photos we have uploaded for your documentation. Please feel free to contact Hammer Auktionen for all questions you might have regarding this lot ([email protected]). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Hammer Auctions shall have no responsibility for any error or omission. In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Hammer Auktionen is here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Hammer Auktionen within 5 days of receiving the item. -------------------------------------------- The condition (possible wear, signs of use, cracks, possible other damage and signs of age, etc.) of this lot can be seen in the photos we have uploaded for your documentation. If you have any questions about this item, please do not hesitate to contact Hammer Auctions ([email protected]). The information regarding the condition of the items provided for the convenience of interested parties is an opinion only and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Hammer Auctions accepts no responsibility for any errors or omissions. In the rare event that the item does not match the description in the catalog, Hammer Auctions is here to help. Buyers may return the lot for a full refund provided they notify Hammer Auctions within 5 days of receiving the lot.