Western Africa, Nigeria, Yoruba peoples, ca. early 20th century CE. A hand-carved wooden male figure known as an ere ibeji that is traditionally carved with a second, identical twin figure. The figure stands nude with broad feet and delineated legs atop an integral rectangular plinth and holds both arms to his thighs. Both arms and his chest are adorned with bands of incised ritual scarification markings that cease just below the neckline. The enlarged head exhibits heavy-lidded eyes, a triangular nose, full lips, and cupped ears, all beneath a tall, centrally parted coiffure or cap with incised diamond patterns emphasized by applied blue pigment. Size: 3.4" W x 11.1" H (8.6 cm x 28.2 cm)
Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-Mathews collection, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA
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#167503
Condition
Chipping along plinth as well as behind back and verso of proper right arm, with heavy earthen deposits within some recessed areas of plinth and lower body, softening to some finer details, and very light fading to areas of blue pigment, otherwise intact and very good. Nice patina and preservation to blue pigment throughout. Old collection label beneath plinth.