Wooden ancestral effigy, Southern Nigeria, 1890-1932
Many African societies believe in reincarnation. They also believe dead ancestors have power over current events. The Yoruba people of Southern Nigeria believe every soul has a chance to return to Earth in the body of a newborn after two generations of their passing. Sacrifices are made, prayers are said and effigies such as this are made to appease the spirits of the ancestors. The wooden ancestral effigy is in the shape of a mummified corpse.
Object number:
A657216
Related Themes and Topics
Glossary:
Glossary: Traditional African medicine
No description.
Glossary: effigy
Sculptured representation of the deceased on a tomb.