Figure of Ajiku 

early–mid 20th century

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 343

This figure was commissioned to address both individual and societal maladies in a northern Jukun community. Conceived as the incarnation of Ajiku, junior wife of the healing spirit Mam, it was deployed as part of a sculptural trio that included representations of Mam and his senior wife, Agbadu. When placed near the sickbed of an infirm client, this finely carved work was believed to encourage their possession by the spirit. Special attention has been focused on Ajiku’s head and elaborate coiffure. Her elongated earlobes and jutting, bearded chin recall a vertical mask genre popular in Jukun communities farther south, suggesting that she may be depicted as a masked entity.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Title: Figure of Ajiku 
Artist: Jukun artist
Date: early–mid 20th century
Geography: Nigeria, Middle Benue River region
Culture: Jukun peoples
Medium: Wood
Dimensions: H. 25 5/8 in. x W 4 7/8 in.
Block: H. 1 1/2 in. x W. 5 3/4 in. x D. 5 3/8 in.
Classification: Wood-Sculpture
Credit Line: Gift of Carol B. Kenney, in memory of Jerome P. Kenney, 2025
Object Number: 2025.97.11
Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing

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