West Africa, Nigeria, Yoruba peoples, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A lovely hand carved wooden figural bust of a face topped by a large, hooked coiffure or headdress shaped like an axe blade. A thick block forms the base supporting the head that consists of a broad nose, large diamond shaped eyes, cupped ears, and several incised scarification marks along the cheeks. Within the recessed facial features are a few flecks of blue pigments, suggesting this was brightly painted at one time. The unusual headdress, the Egungun, is meant to embody the fore of the ancestors and is worn during a joyful ceremony in celebration of the dead. Size: 2" L x 5" W x 6.5" H (5.1 cm x 12.7 cm x 16.5 cm)

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-private European collection; ex-Fily Keita collection, Los Angeles, California, USA

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#170822

Nicks and chips to surfaces and old abrasions to base, otherwise intact and very good. Dark patina throughout.