West Africa, Burkina Faso, Aribinda region, Kurumba culture, ca. mid-20th century CE. A remarkable hand-carved wooden figure presenting as both male and female with 2 faces on opposite sides of the head. Standing atop a pair of sturdy legs and sizeable feet, the fabulous figure displays a pair of attenuated arms hanging from square shoulders. The head is elongated horizontally and incised on each side with slender eyes, a flat nose, and a straight mouth. Ritual scarification adorns the temple of both stylized faces. The female side of the fascinating sculpture exhibits prominent, wide hips with incised genitalia, while the male shows a risen chest, a protruding stomach, and a delineated phallus. Size: 3.5" W x 12.375" H (8.9 cm x 31.4 cm); 13.75" H (34.9 cm) on included custom stand.
Provenance: private Houston, Texas, USA collection, acquired in 2015; ex-Matt Scheiner at Gallery Jatad, Houston, Texas, USA
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#162924
Condition
Minor chip to top of head. Some light nicks and abrasions throughout. Otherwise, intact and excellent with nice earthen deposits.