1969.S.8.A-B Ritual container in the form of standing male figure
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
This standing male figure with a hollow torso—revealed by removing its head—once held the medicine used to activate supernatural powers. The figure's right hand was accidentally broken and replaced by a blade, suggesting the regenerative abilities of the chief and his ancestors.
1976.3 Bell in the form of a head
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Rendered in a naturalistic style, this face has humanlike eyes, a mouth, ears, and a broad nose. The relief imagery of horns rising from behind the ears, serpents issuing from the nostrils, and a knot at the bridge of the nose are, however, unnatural.
1998.83.McD Face mask (igri)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Among the Ada and related Igbo subgroups, the annual njenji masquerade ushers in the festival season. It is held on the first day of a four-day event that moves from village to village and is arranged by an age-grade comprised of males in their late 20s.
2005.45 Face mask
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
This lustrous black face mask probably played a role in Dan boys' puberty rites, which were conducted by the men's Poro society, which educated and socialized males. It is a support for a du (vital force or spirit).
1979.35.A-B Nwenka mask
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The Nwenka mask is said to date from the time of creation, when Wuro, the Creator God, molded the world from moist clay and made the first humans. Wuro retreated from the world but left his three sons behind to help mankind. Nwenka embodies the spirit of Dwo, one of Wuro's sons, and is a medium of communication with Wuro.
1981.138.A-B.FA Caryatid vessel (arugba Shango)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Shrines dedicated to Shango, the Yoruba god of thunder, are furnished with mortars turned upside down to support large lidded calabash bowls. Shango priests store the deity's thunderbolts (Neolithic celts or axe heads), kola nuts, food offerings, oshe
2006.39 Shango dance wand (Oshe Shango)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Among the objects used to honor the Yoruba god of thunder, Shango, is the oshe Shango, or dance wand. It is carried by Shango priests and devotees during public worship activities and enshrined on the deity's altar.
2005.84 Ifa divination tray (opon Ifa)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
A diviner (babalawo) used this divination tray (opon Ifa) with the tapper (iroke Ifa, 1978.40) to facilitate communication with Orunmila, a deity through whom the Creator God s
1978.40 Ifa divination tapper (_iro Ifa_)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
A diviner (babalawo) used this tapper (iroke Ifa) with the divination tray (opon Ifa; 2005.84) to fa
1969.S.105 Stool supported by kneeling female figure (kipona)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Royal regalia of the Luba peoples include bow stands, spears, cups, staffs, and thrones. The throne, carved in the form of a caryatid stool called a kipona, is the king's most important symbol of his status. It is tangible proof that he is a descendant of Mbidi Kiluwe, the legendary 17th-century ruler who founded the kingdom.