Figurally carved post ("ancestor column") · Nigeria, Urhobo · ID: 3032781
Description
wood, greyish brown patina, min. remains of polychrome paint, rising from a massive round base, the figures arranged in two levels, each level with three female and one male figure, crowned by four heads, slightly dam., missing parts, cracks, traces of insect caused damage, on metal plate;
this unusual piece, which contains eight figures, was probably used as personal shrine.
The object Figurally carved post (“ancestor column”) with the object ID 3032781 was last part of the auction 69th tribal art auction at June 2, 2012 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house. The object with the lot number 349 achieved a sales price of EUR 2,500.
Here you will find more objects and interesting facts about African art.
Comparing literature
Wittmer, Marcilene K., Arnett, William, Three Rivers of Nigeria, Atlanta 1978, p. 43, ill. 103