Museum Explorer
Birds and beasts
in Africa
Wooden complex
From: Nigeria
Date: 20th century AD
Wild animals are powerful creatures and this model has been carved by an Igbo craftsman to show power. It has lots of different wild animals as well as powerful people hidden in it. Look for a snake, a leopard and an elephant. There are also horsemen and people carrying guns. To make it, the wooden figures were first carved on their own, then fitted together.
The complex would stand in a central place in the community, and people would meet there to dance.
