Shrine: Seated Figure (Iphri)
Unknown
19th–20th century · Wood · Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas
The assertive quality of an iphri force may be cultivated and harnessed by directing prayers and offerings to a personal shrine. The essential visual component of such an altar, prescribed by a diviner to those seeking advantage in conflict, is a four-legged beast with a gaping maw. The dominant human protagonist represents the patron’s spirit double. He is surrounded by a cluster of subsidiary figures under his authority, two of which he grasps in his clenched fists.
- Artist
- Unknown
- Date
- 19th–20th century
- Medium
- Wood
- Culture
- Urhobo peoples
- Department
- Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas
- Credit line
- Gift of Jeff Soref, 2011
