Urhobo, 19th century AD From Nigeria This sculpture combines attributes of bird, wild animal and human within a single figure. It would originally have formed merely one element of a complex shrine. The ivwri figure is associated with human aggression against attackers. According to Urhobo oral history ivwri are considered to be the foundation of a new village. In earlier centuries success was measured in terms of the accumulation or loss of people through dangerous activities such as the slave trade. Ivwri are usually associated with a bold, male ancestor engaged in such activities, and offer protection for the whole community and his descedants. T. Phillips (ed.), Arts of Africa (London, Royal Academy, 1997)