One of the largest ethnic groups in Nigeria are the Igbos. They live in the southern and south-central of the country as well as in Equatorial Guinea.
They are believed to have originated as a people several thousand years ago in the area where the Benue flows into the Niger River. The Ikenga is most commonly a seated male, the figures have two curved horns and carry a knife or matchet in his right hand, the hand of action and human head in the left hand.
This is a source of power, aggression and achievement. In Igbo society, individual success and upward mobility are highly desirable.
Ikenga is the cult of the spirit or the right hand arm. It symbolizes strength and man’s achievements; it grants an individual success in farming, warfare, hunting or trading. It is said to be a person’s “chi” i.e personal god or ancestral spirit.
Periodic sacrifices are made to it with cock, kolanut, ram or goat and wine. Such sacrifice is aimed at inducing the spirits to help him achieve success and at the same time, it is done to show appreciation. There are different types of Ikenga in the Igbo land, the three major ones are personal, community and diviner. The Igbo strongly belief in consulting the “chi” in every aspect of their lives.
Due to proximity or neighbourhood, the Igbo seems to have a diffusion of cult with the Edo and Igala, thus the Ikenga in Edo is referred to as “Ikegahbo” and that of Igala is called “Okega” even though differences are bound in their looks, they all serve the same purpose.
The Ikenga figures are carved in a variety of styles but each of them is represented with horns stretched upwards. Sometimes, the Ikenga is represented as a man seated and carrying machete on one hand a human skull on the other which symbolizes its power to kill. Titled men may own the most elaborate versions which depict a male seated on a stool and holding the emblems of office.
Characteristics of Ikenga
They have horn-like projected heads.
They have elaborate hair-do.
Sitting position with cutlass in one hand and carved elephant tusk on the other hand.
*Grace Dauda is of Museums Department, National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Abuja.
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