Ikenga (shrine figure)

Ikenga (shrine figure). Igbo peoples (Nigeria). c. 19th to 20th century C.E. Wood. 177.

• Nigeria, Ikenga are carved wooden figures; made for a warrior; seated on a stool, important signifier of honor; right hand holds a sword, expression of power; left holds a human head
• Ikenga means "Power of the right hand"; personal spirit of one's achievements, ability; motivates the user; ram horns big as the entire body; curl at the top; vertical and horizontal abstract horns 
• saying that they take things head on; emphasize power, aggression; decorative patterns; reference scarification; scars on forehead mean higher status; not a portrait; symbolic representation of power; authority and accomplishment