PORTRAIT 6 - RELIGION AND WORSHIP

                                                       PROGRAMME FOUR

Delves into the spiritual life of the different Nigerian peoples and the forms and content of traditional worship. It shows the diversity in the manifestation of outward, veneration of varieties of environmental phenomena and homage to different deities. It shows at the same time the unity in the concept of the Supreme Being and similarities of approach in the worship of the Almighty.

The programme also shows the dynamic factors of change in the modes of worship especially with the coming of Islam which in some parts, has become the traditional religion, and Christianity which in some forms is also becoming indigenized.

                                            

Shrine Object Uvo. Ibo, Nigeria. 19th Century. This is where primitive art meets modern abstraction. The North West IBO people create these shrine objects called Uvo; related to Ikenga, but Uvo are extremely rare. The finely carved head that sits on this M like design is very expressive. This design could also be looked at as a surreal stylized human body. Carved from hardwood with an encrusted surface from years of sacrifices; this is a truly magnificent Nigerian sculpture.
This object stands 9 inches tall and 12 inches long.