Ancestor Figure (Ekpu)

Unknown

18th–19th century · Wood · Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas

Until the 1930s, the creation of such a work was an essential part of the process whereby an esteemed Oron elder was elevated to ancestral status. The figures served as the locus whereby the distinguished individuals portrayed were invoked to play an essential role in assuring the well-being of their offspring. Features depicted that allude to their exalted social standing are prominent headdresses, beards, and stomachs. The eldest member of a clan was the guardian and keeper of a shrine in which as many as fourteen generations of their forebearers were so honored.

Artist

Unknown

Date

18th–19th century

Medium

Wood

Culture

Ibibio peoples, Oron group

Department

Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas

Credit line

Purchase, Acquisitions Benefit 2006, and Ross Family Fund and Daniel and Marian Malcolm Gifts, 2007