An ancient statue of the classic Ikenga type, a symbol of strength (ike) and success (nga). It depicts a seated man holding a sacrificial sword in his right hand and a decapitated head or human skull in his left, characteristic attributes of these warrior effigies, topped with ram's horns, signs of power and virility. Placed on an altar, the Ikenga received offerings and prayers to solicit the support of the ancestors. Its thick, crusty patina bears witness to the intensity of this ancient cult. See: Igbo Arts. Community and Cosmos, Achebe, 1984, p. 30 See : Animal, Falgayrette-Leveau, 2007, p. 236-237 Igbo, Nigeria Wood, slight erosion, visible old cracks, beautiful and important crusty and sacrificial patina. H. 48 cm Provenance : Egon Guenther Collection, Johannesburg Zunz Collection, London, acquired 1973 Transmitted by descent