**Originally Listed At $300**

West Africa, Ghana, Ewe, Ada, or Adan people, ca. 1970. A fascinating hand-carved and hand-painted wooden figure from the Adan peoples, probably made to adorn a private altar. The figure presents with a characteristically abstract anthropomorphic form. The oversized, almost diamond-shaped head has a central crest and is incised with open eyes and an open mouth. The body is comparatively small, with a relatively short torso, arms to the sides, and parted blocky legs. The entire surface is painted with a kaolin-derived white pigment that is superimposed with red and blue horizontal striations. Size: 7.875" H (20 cm); 8.25" H (21 cm) on included custom stand.

Interestingly, each Adan carving is unique in shape, design, and color. The Adan are a sub-group of the Ewe people who live in Southeast Ghana, near the Togo border. They are believed to only number at about 2,200 people. Also referred to as Ada or Ga, these people, who only number at approximately 2,200, believe they originated from southern Egypt, having left Egypt during the 15th century.

Provenance: private Houston, Texas, USA collection, purchased from dealers, beginning in the late 1980s to as recently as 2017

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#162911

Normal surface wear with abrasions and some fading to pigmentation. A few age cracks and chips, particularly visible on the verso. Stand is missing two felt circles on the underside.