Ikenga
It means the power of the right hand: a spiritual force that could be mobilized to promote success, the central motif of Ikenga is the two up thrusting horns, representing rams horn legendary for strength and doggedness
The Igbo believes that the right hand is the source of strength, economic prosperity, and physical stamina for a person, as it is on the right that he keeps his hoe, sword, and workmanship instruments
The horns as shown in the picture are a symbol of masculine strength, and a knife is an object of action; positioned in the right hand of the figure which adds value since the right side is reserved for all things of significance and virtuosity.
Ikenga is the embodiment of the traditional male leadership of the influence of the Igbo people. It visualizes the power of leadership; the ability to sit in judgment and be a warrior-chief. The horns refer to the strong and violent nature of the ram.
It is especially found in Enugu, Anambra, Edo, Delta, and Kogi state. In Edo, it is called Ikengobo or Ikenga-obo. In Igbo, it is called Ikenga. In Edo, it is carved in wood or cast in bronze
TYPES OF IKENGA
They are three types of Ikenga
1) Ikenga madu (fully developed human figure with horns, seated on a stool. These include the sub-types of ‘warrior’, ‘titleholder’ and ‘community’ )
2) ikenga alusi (cylinder with horns)
3) ntu aga (small and simple found in different shapes)
Now that we have come to this level of awareness, let us hear what Mr. Njoku an elderly man who I was privileged to meet has to say about this topic
Many people are not aware that not all carved object is used in the shrine. In this context this carved wooden object is used specifically to distinguish one person from the other on the basis of their achievement in society
Back in the days, there was nothing like a certificate used as an award of excellence given to people for their individual achievement or group as well.
Those days were remarkable for wars, there were people who fought with spirits and came back alive. the like of Ojadili as written by Chike Cyril Aniakor
It was also the era of hunting, some men went into the evil forest forbidden for human entrance, but they came back not just alive but with giants antelopes,
Farming also marked this era, how wealthy you are is been measured by the amount of yam stored in your ban.
During the yearly festival, they confer the person with the highest number of yam in his ban the title of Eze Ji {king of yams}
There are also some blacksmith who works are considered not ordinary, they are accorded great respect for their impeccable work in other to motivate other people to follow suit
People were given different tittle to suit their level of achievement which was normally, but as society advances people began to seek for something tangible to represent these title, something that an ordinary person can easily identify with.
The gbos has this believe that
That was how Ikenga Madu came up as a symbol that distinguishes an individual from another on the levels of achievement.
Once you visit a reputable Igbo man, you must see his Ikenga hanging somewhere in his Obi [An Obi is the central building in an Igbo homestead, one used most commonly as a place for the reception of guests.]
FEATURES OF IKENGA
- They are made Crafted from wood
- The human figure with a sharp horn (horns symbolize power). This is often simplified to the head with the horns on the base.
- Some horns are straight, others are spiral, and some are much more intricate.
- Facial marks are commonly carved on the face (Ichi)
At death, Ikenga is broken or often buried with the deceased as its function had departed, no longer required to serve as an intermediary between worlds or to keep one’s departed chi.
Two-faced Ikenga is the oldest Ikenga concept in Igboland. It’s a two-faced god with one face Looking at the old year and one face is looking at the new year. This is the foundation of the oldest and most significant Ikenga.
You can only difference between what each Ikenga means if you can state the difference. check back to read the full details
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