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Urhobo Peoples

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Image of Shrine Figure (Edjo Re Akare)

Urhobo Peoples
African

Shrine Figure (Edjo Re Akare)

20th century

Object Type: Sculpture
Dimensions:
38 1/4 in. x 14 1/4 in. x 18 in. (97.16 cm x 36.2 cm x 45.72 cm)
Medium and Support: Wood and pigment
Accession Number: 2013.0017.0028

Credit Line: Gift of Dileep and Martha Mehta


Until recently, Urhobo communities in southern Nigeria maintained large sculptural groups in shrines, usually at least one per village. The sculptures were viewed as manifestations of spirits known as "edjo." The figures represent the heroic founding families who struggled to develop and sustain new communities—aided by the mystical powers of the edjo. Some Urhobo figures are over-life-size statues that are carved from great pieces of hardwood three feet or more in diameter. As many as one dozen figures may be housed in a single shrine.

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