Sale 214 Lot 462

NIGERIAN IBGO JANUS RITUAL SCEPTER This patinated Igbo Janus scepter from Nigeria is a striking ritual object characterized by its dual-faced (Janus) head, symbolizing the ability to see into both the physical and spiritual realms simultaneously. Carved from wood, the scepter features two distinct faces with contrasting finishes—one side retaining a natural, dark wood tone while the other is heavily coated in a pale, kaolin-based pigment, representing the connection between the living and the ancestral spirits. The central portion of the head is decorated with a dark, cross-hatched geometric pattern representing a sophisticated coiffure, while the elongated, cylindrical neck tapers down into a smooth handle base that shows clear signs of ritual handling. In Igbo culture, such scepters were often carried by titled elders or spiritual leaders during ceremonies to denote authority and to serve as a conduit for ancestral wisdom and protection. Height: 19 inches (including base)
$250-350