Big ritual figure for "shango" ·  Nigéria, Yoruba · ID: 3036093

Description

wood, reddish brown patina, shiny, matt and encrusted in some areas, with remains of camwood powder, in shape of a kneeling mother, carrying one child on the back and a second one on the lap, unusual coiffure (one half of the head shaved), abundant adorned with necklace and bracelets, scarification marks on the cheeks, crowned by a massive double-axe symbol, carved with bird sculptures in pairs, slightly dam. (nose, mouth), surface structure marked by insect caused damage, missing part (base backside), rep. (head of the child on the lap/right wrist, base right hand side), base;
since the figure is carved without handle for support it was apparently not made for processions, but was possibly intended for an altar.

Expertise

Karl-Ferdinand Schädler, 01.05.2003, Munich, Germany