Structuralism in Ikenga: an ethno-aesthetic approach

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Periodical article

Title:	Structuralism in Ikenga: an ethno-aesthetic approach
Author:	Aniakor, Chike
Year:	1973
Periodical:	Ikenga: Journal of African Studies
Volume:	2
Issue:	1
Pages:	6-28
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Nigeria
Subjects:	African religions cults Igbo sculpture
Abstract:	Ecologically viewed, the concept of Ikenga as the cult of the right hand of a man means the force of individualism (in this case individual talent and skill) embodied in a man's strength as symbolised in his right hand seen as a mode of ecological adaptation. If anthropologically people worship crucial factors of survival in their own culture situation, the force of individualism basic to achievement in Igbo society is symbolised in religion. In this context, Ikenga cult as embodiment of a man's strenght becomes central to Igbo traditional thought and cosmology. In the traditional context, a man's success in life is a clear testimony of the viability of his Ikenga. Its visual representation as a man's life force and as a traditional work of art acquires spiritual as well as sociological significance. This paper is therefore concerned with the formulation of a system of ethnoaesthetics on the basic of the interaction of social as well as spiritual factors in the creative process as it affects structuralism in Ikenga. Fig., notes.