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The Dengese artists are known for their statues that became part of many museum collections. Called isiki-manji, these statues represent royal or notable ancestor figures. A distorted cone on the top of the headdress represents the one placed on the king’s head during his installation and symbolizes understanding, intelligence, distinction, respect, and unity among chiefs. Numerous symbols are carved on the elongated torso and arms in imitation of scarification patterns.

Exhibited at the Fertile, Frightful, Divine show. New Brunswick, NJ. July 2011