Lot 54 Dα

This fragment of an over life-size maternity figure would have formed part of a family of ancestor spirits, the founding men and women of a community, whose powers and fame were such that in time they were eveated to the status of "edjo", manifestations of nature-spirit forces. Stored in darkened shrines and hidden from public view for all but a few days, they are considered fearsome to mortals and beautiful to the spirit world (Foss, P., "Where Gods and Mortals Meet: Continuity and Renewal in Urhobo Art", New York, 2004).