Skip to Content

Shrine Figure (Ntkekpe)

A work made of terracotta and iron.

Image actions

  • 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.

Share

Sign up for our enewsletter to receive updates.

Learn more

Image actions

Share