Edjostatue (Urhobo).
Nigeria.
Wood, pigment, height: 212 cm.
Each Urhobo community has its own protective Edjostatue,
which embodies natural spirits or those of the Eshefounding
ancestors. The tall Urhobo statues embody Edjonatural spirits or
Eshefounding ancestors, who were offered annual celebrations
and sacrifices in sanctuaries. Each community has its own
protective Edjo, who lives in the wild and can also be
materialised by pieces of wood, metal, or clay. These statues
carry medecines on their belts and have military attributes.