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HOME :
African & Tribal Art :
Ekoi, Ejangham, Cross Rivers : Bakor Stone Figure
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Bakor Stone Figure - CK.0547
Origin: Cross Rivers Area, Nigeria
Circa: 16
th
Century AD
to 17
th
Century AD
Dimensions:
28" (71.1cm) high
Collection: African Art
Medium: Stone
Location: United States
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| Description |
Monoliths of this sort come from a restricted area
in the Cross River region of eastern Nigeria.
Known as “atal” to modern groups, they are
believed to have been carved and erected in the
16th to 17th centuries, and were still being
worshipped and revered when European
explorers penetrated the region in the early 20th
century. All anthropomorphic monoliths come
from a linguistically-defined area that covers
only 900 square kilometers, hence the Bakor
(language) appellation. The figures come in a
variety of styles that seem to be socially
localized; therefore, the permutation of open
mouth, pointed chin, round eyes, and the groove
separating neck and head seem to suggest that
this particular figure came from a small area
described by the village groups of Nta, Nde and
Nselle. They are found primarily in abandoned
villages, partially buried, and arranged with
geometric precision in the market area and
community playground. Recent groups are
known to have painted and given offerings to
them, although the antiquity of this tradition is
uncertain. The archaeological background to
these figures is somewhat uncertain, although
they are believed to represent ancestors and
legendary figures linked to memorable events.
They may have a far longer history than is
currently realized, for C14 samples from the site
of Emangabe rendered a date of 200 AD, over a
thousand years before the majority of figures so
far studied. The current specimen is
comparatively compact (many sculptures are over
100 cm tall) and elegantly pointed at both ends.
The eyes are large and round, the nose a broad,
upside-down “T”. The mouth is formed from a
ring, and the chin/beard is pointed. The front
and the sides of the figure are decorated with
concentric circles (possibly arms and navel) and
the dorsal aspect is unadorned. The quality of
the carving is powerful and effective. The surface
of the stone is unpolished yet the elevated
portions of the carving retain a sheen that
probably refers to a long tradition of libations
and offerings being poured directly onto it. This
is an important and impressive sculpture.
- (CK.0547)
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