A carved wooden shrine idol with highly stylized form and features, linear incised designs accented with kaolin clay, large round ears and central crest. Such sculptures were considered healing fetish idols known as a "Lagalagana". Mumuye Lagalagana figures were carved by village blacksmiths for use as protective talisman. The idols were kept in sacred enclosures and huts. This type of idol was used in divination ceremonies aimed at healing the sick and preventing epidemics, as well as being regarded as having rain making properties. Mumuye peoples, Nigeria, Africa. The Statue measures 17.5 inches tall on its wooden base. Provenance: Ex Robert Banks collection, Maryland.

Fair, well handled