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Shrine Figure (Ntkekpe)

A work made of terracotta and iron.

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  • A work made of terracotta and iron.

Date:

Mid–20th century

Artist:

Igbo
Wawa or vicinity, Nigeria
Coastal West Africa

About this artwork

Among the Igbo, pottery and ceramic sculpture is the domain of women. Terracotta figures can accompany shrines in a wide variety of contexts, including at compound entrances, outside of houses, in domestic gardens, and in small shrine houses. This figure and another one of a seated woman are undoubtedly the work of a single artist [see 2003.84]. The man is seated on a cylindrical stool. He wears a necklace with three large beads and holds a dagger in his hand.

Status

Currently Off View

Department

Arts of Africa

Culture

Igbo

Title

Shrine Figure (Ntkekpe)

Place

Nigeria (Object made in)

Date  Dates are not always precisely known, but the Art Institute strives to present this information as consistently and legibly as possible. Dates may be represented as a range that spans decades, centuries, dynasties, or periods and may include qualifiers such as c. (circa) or BCE.

1925–1975

Medium

Terracotta and iron

Dimensions

71.1 × 45.7 × 33 cm (28 × 18 × 13 in.)

Credit Line

Samuel P. Avery Endowment and Edward E. Ayer Endowment in memory of Charles L. Hutchinson

Reference Number

2003.83

Extended information about this artwork

Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.

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