Reliquary - Igbo - Nigeria

This remarkable horse skull constitutes a rare testimony of the Igbo ritual practices in the southeast of Nigeria. The real skull is entirely covered with meticulous basketry made from plant fibers, the extremely tight weave precisely following the animal’s anatomical contours. Relief geometric motifs, created by a system of attached fibers, rhythmically surface and give the whole piece a strong symbolic dimension, while the orbits are highlighted by braided rings accentuating the expressiveness of the work. The ears, made from the hooves, complete this composition with a striking sobriety.

These skulls were traditionally hung in the men's house or placed on altars dedicated to the ancestors, where they participated in ceremonies related to the cult of the lineages and the memory of the departed. The horse, a prestigious animal associated with power, social status and wealth, reinforced the symbolic value of the offering. The combination of bone material and protective weaving expresses the desire to preserve the animal’s spiritual force while integrating it into the ritual universe. The fine patina of use and signs of handling attest to its age and long use in ritual contexts.

Plan for light restoration for the right eye as well as the right hoof

Heavy pedestal

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