Figure - Nigeria (No reserve price)
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Ritual cup‑bearer figure carved in wood, Yoruba, Nigeria, dating to the second half of the 20th century; wood sculpture with patina, dimensions 40 cm high, 15 cm wide, 18 cm deep, in excellent condition with only minor signs of wear.
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Description from the seller
Figure carrying a ritual cup in carved wood on a pedestal – Yoruba – Nigeria – second half of the 20th century
Anthropomorphic African sculpture in carved and patinated wood, probably from the Yoruba tradition of Nigeria.
The composition features a stylized human face with almond-shaped eyes, a marked nose and a striated hairstyle, surmounted by a large circular vessel deeply hollowed. A long carved element runs along the head and connects to the upper vessel, reminiscent of the construction of cup-bearing figures used in various Yoruba ritual practices.
The wood shows a significant brown to brown-black patina, numerous signs of wear, abrasions, cracks, and carving marks. The interior of the vessel also preserves a very irregular and patinated surface.
The sculpture is now presented vertically on a contemporary black pedestal with a metal stem, allowing an attractive museum-quality display.
Yoruba cup-bearing figures could be used as vessels for offerings or associated with shrines. Some forms called arugba Shango notably support a vessel on the head with elongated arms.
Figure carrying a ritual cup in carved wood on a pedestal – Yoruba – Nigeria – second half of the 20th century
Anthropomorphic African sculpture in carved and patinated wood, probably from the Yoruba tradition of Nigeria.
The composition features a stylized human face with almond-shaped eyes, a marked nose and a striated hairstyle, surmounted by a large circular vessel deeply hollowed. A long carved element runs along the head and connects to the upper vessel, reminiscent of the construction of cup-bearing figures used in various Yoruba ritual practices.
The wood shows a significant brown to brown-black patina, numerous signs of wear, abrasions, cracks, and carving marks. The interior of the vessel also preserves a very irregular and patinated surface.
The sculpture is now presented vertically on a contemporary black pedestal with a metal stem, allowing an attractive museum-quality display.
Yoruba cup-bearing figures could be used as vessels for offerings or associated with shrines. Some forms called arugba Shango notably support a vessel on the head with elongated arms.
Details
Era
1900-2000
Country of origin
Nigeria
Material
Wood
Condition
Excellent condition: barely used with minimal signs of wear
Height
40 cm
Width
15 cm
Depth
18 cm
Estimated period
1950-2000
