Shrine sculpture
Maker
Igbo Artist
Date19th century
Made/manufacturedNigeria, Africa
MediumWood, traces of white, black and red pigment
Dimensions37 × 19 × 19 in. (94 × 48.3 × 48.3 cm)
ClassificationsSculpture
Credit LineGift of Nicole and John Dintenfass
Object number2015.45.1
DescriptionDouble-tiered disk-shaped platforms that are surmounted by 6 (possibly young female) figures wearing pillbox style headgear, with bent knees and elbows, and hands with curled fingers; 3 of the identical figures are on either side of a large head with a helmet adorned with 4 spheres, and flanked below by mask-like faces with swirling hairdos. The head in the center, dominates the work and is inset between two vertical flanges. The bottom disk is perforated on the rim by 1/4 in holes all around. There are some cracks, and wear on the surface. Some restoration was done, and some surfaces show heavy patination.
