Shrine Figure, 20th century
Ijoexpand_more
Woodexpand_more
Gift of Jerome Jossexpand_more 82.137.3
Not on Viewexpand_more
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.
Details
- Title
- Shrine Figure
- Role
- Artist
- Dimension
- 32 in. (81.3 cm)
- Accession Number
- 82.137.3
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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