Standing female figure ·  Guinea, Toma · ID: 3036007

Description

wood, black patina, kaolin, carved with necklace and arm rings, notched scarifications, navel with inserted wooden plug, the long and flat U-shaped face below projecting brows reminding of the “landa” mask type of the Toma, elaborate crested coiffure in grooved patterns, slightly dam., minor missing parts (foot tips), traces of insect caused damage (left forearm), crack (backside), metal plate;
the Toma (Loma) live in the northern parts of Liberia and bordering areas of Guinea. Only few figures of them are known; their figurative sculpture was privately owned and was associated with divination or protection against sorcery.

Comparing literature

Schädler, Karl-Ferdinand, Encyclopedia of African Art and Culture, Munich 2009, p. 378