Figure of a drummer by Osei Bonsu (1900-1977)

Description

wood, painted in black, white and red paint, the upper part of the body bent forward, both hands originally holding drumsticks, slightly dam., missing parts (left foot tip), restored (right foot, both legs, left forearm), drilled hole in the back, socle;
Osei Bonsu is considered to be one of the most important Ashanti carvers, who, during his life time, has worked for three Asantehene (paramount chief of the Ashanti). Born in Kumasi as a grandson of an Asantehene (Mensah Bonsu 1874-83), he first worked with his father, a drummer and carver, later as a sculpture teacher in three colonial schools, besides carving for Ashanti nobility.