Photographs © Tim Hamill
IGBO, DOOR 13, 41", $500, Nigeria
The intricately carved doors of the Igbo people of Nigeria form a third impressive group. Carved of a sacred hardwood, iroko, for major patrons, they served as entrance portals to an obi, the male meeting house. Iroko wood is associated with males, power and certain mysteries. The tree's spirit is ritually placated before felling. The large planks were extremely difficult to make. The doors are distinguished by the careful chip carving into V-shaped grooves and the contrasts of plain with densely carved areas. Our collection of 20 doors plus two side panels is exceptional with most showing complex patterns and generations of slow weathering.
Not all Igbo doors are masterpieces. This one might not have been finished, or was carved by an apprentice.
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