Sculpture, Sirène - 42 cm - Wood

This wooden sculpture represents a female figure in a style that evokes a mermaid or an aquatic deity.

She stands upright with a long, slender torso, expressive facial features, and wide-open eyes.

Her chest is emphasized, and she holds in her hands symbolic elements: a mask and a kind of oar or elongated object, often associated with rites or fishing.

The lower part of the piece, heavier and wider, recalls the tail or the seat of an aquatic creature, reinforcing the impression of a mermaid or a water-spirit.

The wood shows natural color variations with some dark highlights.

Probable origin: West Africa, probably Ghana, Benin, or Togo, regions where sculptures of mythological figures, water spirits or mermaids (often associated with Mami Wata) are common in traditions and craft.

Note: missing hand, see photo.