Forest Spirit Figure – Wood – Ijo – Nigeria

This monumental figure certainly represents a bush spirit and may more specifically represent the seven-headed character Tebesonoma from the Ijo epic tale of Ozidi. The multiple heads hold a platter that in turn supports an animal. This indeterminate animal could be anything from a crocodile to a leopard (symbols of warriors), or even a dog. Dogs sometimes acted as guides for spirits and were associated with hunting. The Ijo rely on enshrined bush spirits for support in everything from wrestling competitions to war, as well as to protect them from both human and superhuman threats.

Provenance: Manfred Schäfer, former gallery owner Ulm, Germany.