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Nkisi N'kondi (late 19th century)
These power figures are from Kongo, made of wood and metal. They are used as magical charms, capable of protecting oaths and resolving conflicts. These figures indicate the importance of accountability to the Kongo people, as well as their spiritual devotion.The metals inserted into their bodies represent agreements, while the glass represents the spirit world. https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/ap-art-history/africa-ap/a/nkisi-nkondi -
Portrait Mask (Mblo) (early 20th century)
The Mblo mask is made of wood and pigment, created by the Baule people in Cote D'Ivoire. These portraits indicate the importance of art in Baule culture, as each mask is decorated uniquely for individuality. They honor important community members by wearing Mblo masks while dancing, with the mask become the member's "double". https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/319512 -
Female (pwo) Mask (early 20th century)
This mask, made of wood, fiber, and brass, was created by the Chokwe people from Angola. The mask honors female ancestors, interesting because heritage is traced through maternal lines in Chokwe culture. The shapes carved in the mask are meant to emphasize beauty, but also function as part of a ritual of initiation into adulthood. https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/319264 -
Veranda post of enthroned king and senior wife (Opo Ogoga) (1910-1914)
This sculpture originates from the Ekiti region of Nigeria, by the Yoruba people. Made of wood and pigment, the greater height of the wife implies her greater power than the king. Still, the king appears regal and powerful on his throne. The bird symbolizes powerful and wise women (ancestors and deities) who support the king. All in all, the sculpture shows the importance of women in this society. http://www.artic.edu/aic/collections/exhibitions/African/Veranda -
Ikenga Shrine Figure (first half of 20th century)
The Ikenga shrine figure is made of wood and paint by the Igbo people of Eastern Nigeria. The sculptural shrine is meant to honor and respect individual accomplishment. Horns and other symbols of power are present in all ikenga figures. A communal ikenga aids the entire community, not just the individual who makes an offering. This shows the importance of the group in Igbo culture, as well as firm spiritual beliefs. http://artmuseum.princeton.edu/collections/objects/60129
