Lot 104: Bons Nwabiani (Nigerian, Twentieth Century) Igbo deities (Red abstract) and 'Ijere' 81 x 36cm (31 7/8 x 14 3/16in); 30.5 x 61cm (12 x 24in).

Bons Nwabiani (Nigerian, Twentieth Century)
Igbo deities (Red abstract) and 'Ijere' the first signed and dated 'Bons Nwabiani UNN'71' (lower right); the second signed and dated 'Bons Nwabiani '71' (lower right); inscribed with title and artist's name (verso)oil on board81 x 36cm (31 7/8 x 14 3/16in); 30.5 x 61cm (12 x 24in).(2)

Provenance: Acquired from the artist by the present owner, in the late 1970s.With the outbreak of the Nigerian Civil War, ethnicity became increasingly politicised. The secessionist state of Biafra was predominantly Igbo. During the war, almost two million of its residents died from starvation as the Nigerian government blockaded the region in an attempt to bring it back under their control.The international community showed their support by exhibiting Igbo artists such as Uche Okeke, Obiora Udechukwu and Bons Nwabiani. Their works drew inspiration from Igbo mythology and folklore, and were seen to be important repositories of cultural heritage.The word Ijere is an Igbo word meaning 'to serve'. In Igbo culture, wood sculptures and painted masks are an integral part of rituals and ceremonies, simultaneously invoking the gods' presence and honouring them. The swirling lines and fluid shapes are an abstract representation of the Igbo pantheon.