Marionette
Nigeria, Eket/Ibibio
sold
EUR 2,000
Provenance
Marcel Nies, Antwerp, Belgium (1991)Gerard Verdijk (1934-2005) and Josephine Sloet, The Netherlands
Size
H: 83 cm
H: 32.7 inch
Description
wood, matt and slightly encrusted blackish brown patina, post-like base with a partly hollowed back and drilled holes for attachment, carved with a bulky octahedral platform which is crowned by an anthropomorphic head, neck with “barbed band”, min. traces of insect caused damage, cracks, base;
the Eket are a small ethnic group who lives in about 45 villages near the more numerous Ibibio in southeastern Nigeria. Puppets like the present one are used during funerals, certain festivities, and in plays of the so-called “Akan” theatre.