Igbo (Ibo), Nigeria

Alusi religious figure. Some eight million Igbo people extend across the main region of eastern Nigeria and, after the Yoruba, form the second largest tribal group in West Africa. They inhabit an area of forests and swamps. They comprise a large number of sub-tribes, but, unlike the Yoruba, they have resisted centralization and have no large towns. They live primarily from farming. Village councils composed of the eldest people from each family govern the tribe. Their power is counterbalanced by secret societies. Drawing influence from many of the surrounding tribes, carvings amongst the Igbo show a great diversity of style and are often difficult to ascribe to any one sub-tribe. This sitting figure represents one of the numerous Igbo Alusi deities. Such figures are grouped together in symbolic families and kept in special houses where they are revered. During annual festivities, these figures are taken out and paraded through the village.

Material:  wood

Size:  H. 28”, W. 10”, D. 9”