West Africa, Nigeria/Cameroon border, Chamba, ca. late 19th century CE. An intriguing hand-carved wooden figure of an androgynous figure or idol. Scholars believe renditions like this example were used and displayed to ward off snakes. The figure has an anthropomorphic profile with slender arms accenting its sides, presenting as if it were standing at attention. The head has an oval shape with a bun style hair dress atop, and the face features deep incisions that hint at a nose, mouth, and brow line. Two tubular ears marked along the sides of the head complete the dynamic silhouette. The figure has an iron base attached leading down to a pointed tip. Size: 2" W x 13.75" H (5.1 cm x 34.9 cm); 16.5" H (41.9 cm) on included custom stand.
Provenance: private Houston, Texas, USA collection, purchased from Andrew Berz at Berz Gallery of African Art, San Francisco, California, USA in 2011
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#162925
Condition
Softening of carved features. Otherwise, in excellent condition and fully intact.