Item.
Fine Urhobo Female "Edjo"  Altar figure. Rare and genuine 1950-1960 example. 90cm tall. Nigeria.

Origin.
The Urhobo people of Nigeria.  They are an ethnic group of people found in Southern Nigeria Near the Northwestern Niger Delta region. They are the major group of people in Delta State that is one of the 36 States of Nigeria.

Use.
In Urhobo ethnography, "Edjo" means female figure of an ancestor. These figures are consecrated to become powerful and potent spirits of ancestors who are highly regarded in Urhobo culture as tutelary and benevolent entities.

Urhobo communities often have several "Edjos" as altar figures in communal shrines while a single one is recognised as the primary ancestor spirit of that community.

The Urhobo female altar figure is essentially a nurturing deity venerated for her benevolent and protective functions over virtually every aspects of Urhobo communal life.

For example, she may be worshipped for assistance with child bearing, healing from illness, protection from spiritual attacks etc.

Description.
Impressive and genuinely old example of an "Edjo" figure I believe was created between 1950 to 1960 from provenance information available to me.

Figure stands at around 3 feet tall with characteristic features to include a pale overall colouration interspersed with use of contrasting dyes.

This standing figure maintains the usual stance of an ancestor figure with  arms held to the side.
Figure wears a stylized Urhobo hate which is essentially a bowler hat-type the Urhobos historically adopted as a part of their tradional attire.

She features a collar with overlayed jewellery and a symbol of a crocodile to her stomach. She also wears wrist and ankle jewellery as was customary.

Patina is dullened and features a general off-white stain with areas of contrast grey dying.

Striking figure overall featuring prominent crack that are stable along with wood loss and degradation to several areas.

Yet the Edjo is in good collector condition. A fine, genuinely old striking tribal treasure to own and display. A superb addition to any collection.

I can supply more pictures and information on request. Thank you.

Measurement.
90cm high x 26cm wide x 22cm deep.

Weight.
8kg approx.

Delivery information.
Item will be sent using quality UPS courier express tracked delivery.

We are a UK-based business but we source and field-collect authentic tribal treasures in person on the ground in Africa. We therefore sometimes send big and heavy items directly from our storage facility in West Africa to avoid duplication of effort and expenses.

Please allow at least two weeks for delivery after payment is made. Thank you.