A standing male ancestor figure, Nigeria, Urhobo style. 20th century.
Provenance: The Inventory and Collection from the Estate of Merton D. Simpson. "The Urhobo have two distinct sculptural traditions of nearly life-size wood figures, one representing spirits and the other, actual or mythic ancestors. To identify Urhobo figures as either spirits or ancestors can be difficult unless the context is known; however, written descriptions and in situ photographs of Urhobo figures suggest that this figure represents a spirit. The Urhobo believe that singular and collective spiritual forces exist in nature: in water, trees, plants, land or air. These spirits, known as edjo, are pervasive, and their powers encompass all of Urhobo life." africa.si.edu