IDNO

P.73903.GIJ

Description

A base of a wooden pillar with a carved figure. The figure consists of the side profile of a round head with high etched forehead, slit eyes, nose and mouth, rounded neck, rounded upper torso with one arm upright holding a wooden axe.The torso of the figure is carved in a criss cross linear pattern and his kneews are bent. Underneath the figure are carved circular desings. In the right hand corner are other carved desingns of birds and circular markings.

Place

W Africa; Nigeria; South Eastern Nigeria; Onitsha province; Nri Awka

Cultural Affliation

Igbo [historically Ibo]; Nri Akwa

Named Person

Photographer

Jones, Gwilliam Iwan (known as G.I.)

Collector / Expedition

Date

circa 1930 - 1939

Collection Name

Jones collection

Source

Jones, Gwilliam Iwan (known as G.I.)

Format

Print Black & White

Primary Documentation

Other Information

P.73891.GIJ to P.74008.GIJ were kept in box 12, now numbered C339/.

Context: Jones describes the woodcarvers of the Nri Awka area. He writes, “Ibo were skilled woodcarvers, particularly those of Awka and other town in the Nri-Awka group. With their simple tools they were able to cut down iroko and other large hardwood trees and, with the aid of wages, fire, and boiling water, convert them into canoes which seventeenth century travellers described as ‘the largest in the Ethiopias of Guinea’. into their great Ikoro war drums, carved out of the trunks of iroko trees, or the solid doors that closed the entrances of their walled compounds. Smaller pieces of wood were made into troughs and mortars, slit and membrane drums, bowls and dishes of various shapes and and sizes, stools and headrests, clubs and staffs and handles of all sorts. The introduction of cross-cutting and other saws in the late nineteenth century simplified tree-felling and provided the Ibo with planks and deckings to panel the walls of their meeting houses and to increase their range of boxes, chests, benches and lightweight chairs and stools.” (Jones, 1988, pp. 25-26).

Bibliographical Reference: Jones, G.I., 1984. The Art of Eastern Nigeria (Cambridge University Press).

Publication: Image published in a blog 'Traditional Igbo Houses: Architecture and Cultural Significance' by Onyeka Nwokike on 22 July 2024, in 'Igbo Archives: Preserving the Past, Inspiring the Future', and captioned: "A base of a wooden pillar with a carved figure. Nri Awka, early 20th century. Image Source: Ukpuru on X."
Related text notes "Cultural Significance
The carvings and paintings on Igbo houses often depict deities, ancestors, and scenes from daily life. These artistic expressions bridge the physical and spiritual worlds, allowing the Igbo people to connect with their ancestors and the divine. They also function as historical records, preserving the traditions and values of the community for future generations.
Social Hierarchy
The complexity and richness of the decorations on an Igbo house can indicate the social status of the inhabitants. More elaborate designs are typically found on the homes of wealthy or influential individuals, such as village leaders or successful merchants. Simpler designs are more common in the homes of families with modest means." [source: https://igboarchives.com.ng/traditional-igbo-houses-architecture-and-cultural-significance/ JD 17/02/2025]

This catalogue record has been updated with the support of the Getty Grant Program Two. [Alicia Fentiman 4/3/2008]