H x W x D: 141.6 x 35.6 x 25.4 cm (55 3/4 x 14 x 10 in.)
Type:
Figure
Geography:
Amogdu Abiriba, Cross River region, Nigeria
Date:
Early to mid-20th century
Label Text:
This figure probably represented a community's founding ancestor or a warrior and was one of a large number of monumental figures kept in the men's meetinghouse to guard the private areas from intrusion. It likely was part of a group that included the founding ancestor's wife and other members of the village, such as warriors and hunters.
Besides its size, the most striking feature is the broad, bold use of color that reinforces the strength of the carving. Among the Igbo, such figures are sculpted by men and painted by women.
Description:
Wood and pigment male standing figure with knees slightly bent. Most of the body is painted red with black, white and yellow decoration circular and striped. The face is painted yellow and white, the arms are at the sides, the navel is extended with carved incising (scarification) around it and the figure has painted yellow and white bands around the upper legs and knees.
Exhibition History:
Heroes: Principles of African Greatness, National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., November 16, 2019–October 3, 2021
African Vision: The Walt Disney-Tishman African Art Collection, National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., February 15, 2007-March 31, 2009
For Spirits and Kings: African Art from the Paul and Ruth Tishman Collection, Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 1981
Published References:
Herreman, Frank (ed.). 2003. Material Differences. New York: Museum for African Art, Gent: Snoeck-Ducaju, p. 27, no. 18.
Kreamer, Christine Mullen, Bryna Freyer and Andrea Nicolls. 2007. African Vision: The Walt Disney-Tishman African Art Collection. Washington, D.C.: National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, pp. 130-131, no. 34.
Vogel, Susan (ed). 1981. For Spirits and Kings: African Art from the Paul and Ruth Tishman Collection. New York: Metropolitan Museum of Art, p. 140, no. 80.
Content Statement:
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