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Statue representing a female figure standing on a base composed of four stylized birds placed back to back. The body and head are elongated. The torso, back, neck and face are scarified. The head is flat and topped with a structured hairstyle of two upright buns and two side braids. One of the braids has been locally restored with small metal clips. The face bears a stunned expression amplified by large open eyes in which white pigment remains. Small incisions have been made to signify the eyelashes. The half-open, rectangular mouth reveals rows of teeth. Two small anklets adorn the right leg.
An iron nail is embedded in one of the birds. This bird also bears an old inventory number: 4652 .
This statue is a rare and atypical representation of the Akan cultural era. Several elements may lead us back to the Fanti, Atié or even Abron peoples.
Unusual in its style and representation, this statue is a powerful testimony to a people's response to spiritual difficulties.
Wood with a beautiful patina of use, remnants of red and white pigments in the hollows, iron, pearls.
Height: 52 cm
Akan family, Ivory Coast
First half of the 20th century
Provenance: - Former American collection
- Former German collection
- Sale Art Tribal, Cornette de Saint-Cyr, October 31, 2017, lot n°18
- Galerie Noir d'Ivoire, Paris, exhibition catalog Trait d'union, Parcours des mondes 2019, p. 28
Ref: D43FBYQQBE