Anthropomorphic box ·  Nigeria, Igala · ID: 3034504

Description

wood, dark brown patina, remains of indigo blue pigment, the whole object coated with incised geometrical ornaments, crowned by an anthropomorphic head, dam., missing parts through insect caused damage, cracks, slight traces of abrasion, metal socle;
carved by Umale Oganegi (active 1940s - 1970s) who lived and worked in Ukuja near Dekina. Through an accident as a child he suffered extensive damage to his spine and legs and was therefore unable to work in the rural area and started carving by teaching himself. He was known for his “figurative” boxes with lids, which were made to hold cosmetics or as frames for mirrors.

Comparing literature

Berns, Marla C. et. al.; Arts of the Benue River Valley, Los Angeles 2011, p. 99, ill. B.7