Igbo statuette (No reserve price)

In traditional Urhobo and Igbo society, such a statue fulfills major spiritual and social functions:
1. Protective spirit and deity (Edjo / Alusi): These sculptures are not mere decorative objects but embody complex spiritual forces. Among the Urhobo, they often represent Edjo (spirits of nature or founding ancestors deified) that protect the community, the clan, or a specific family against illnesses, witchcraft, and poor harvests.
2. Cult of fertility and motherhood: The prominence of the generous female breast symbolizes fertility, abundance, and the continuity of the lineage. These statues were honored by women and priests to ensure the viability of births.
3. Symbol of power and status: The knife or short blade held in the right hand materializes authority, strength, and the ability to defend the group or to sacrifice. The colored bands (red camwood pigment and kaolin or black) enhance the sacred character of the figure during public ceremonies.
These objects took their place at the heart of community sanctuaries or family altars where they regularly received offerings (libations, food, pigments) to maintain their protective beneficial power.