Ikenga
- Gallery: Room 25
- Made in: Nigeria
- Date: 20thC(early)
- Object type: ikenga
- Materials: wood
- Museum number: Af1949,46.192
- Museum: The British Museum
- Collection record: British Museum website
- Image © The Trustees of the British Museum, shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 licence.
Listen to the free audio guide
About this object
Before you stands an impressive carved wooden figure known as an "Ikenga," originating from Nigeria. Created by the Igala people in the early 20th century, it rises in three tiers, representing a chief alongside his wife and other figures, with a pair of horns at the top. The detailed stonelike textures and poses show the craftsmanship typical of the region.
The Ikenga figure is closely tied to a cult centered on the power of a man’s right hand. These figures served as personal altars for Igala and Igbo men, symbolizing their achievements in hunting, farming, and battle. Before important actions, sacrifices were made to these figures, though they were often destroyed after the owner’s death.
This example is notable for its size and layered composition, offering insight into regional artistic and spiritual traditions. A few sacred symbols are carved into the figures, adding to the depth of its meaning and function.
See it in person
Ikenga is on display in Room 25 at the British Museum on Great Russell Street, Bloomsbury, London — free to enter. Choose British Museum on audioguide.london and take a photo of it to hear this free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
New, in beta. British Museum support has just launched and is still improving: over 1,000 objects so far, with more added all the time.
