Mbari statue head - Mbari - Igbo - Nigeria

06
days
01
hour
39
minutes
39
seconds
Current bid
€ 160
Reserve price not met
Dimitri André
Expert
Selected by Dimitri André

Holds a postgraduate degree in African studies and 15 years experience in African art.

Estimate  € 1,100 - € 1,300
NL
€160
BE
€150
FR
€1

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The mid-20th-century Mbari statue head, titled “Tête de statue Mbari”, is made of raw earth and depicts Mami Wata; it is from Igbo culture in Nigeria and measures 27 cm high.

AI-assisted summary

Description from the seller

Mbari statue head, Ibо culture, Igboland region, Nigeria.
Raw clay and paint. H.27cm

Superb terracotta statue head. It represents Mami Wata, goddess of water, wealth and fertility. The face is beautiful and luminous. It exudes a gentle yet powerful force. Beautiful three-part headdress. It bears ethnic scarifications at the corner of the mouth. It is a spirit-infused work. The body is missing. It comes from an Mbari house; these houses are places of worship dedicated to the Igbo gods. The statues there are made of raw clay and then painted. It is a rare work of which very few examples are available for sale. Sold as is, see photos. A beautiful piece for an antique/old‑collection, authentic.
Circa 1960.

A catalog "MBARI - Art Ibo of Nigeria", 2010, limited edition of 100 copies, will be provided.
This work is reproduced there, Ref. No. 1.
A double-boxed shipment will be arranged.

Mbari statue head, Ibо culture, Igboland region, Nigeria.
Raw clay and paint. H.27cm

Superb terracotta statue head. It represents Mami Wata, goddess of water, wealth and fertility. The face is beautiful and luminous. It exudes a gentle yet powerful force. Beautiful three-part headdress. It bears ethnic scarifications at the corner of the mouth. It is a spirit-infused work. The body is missing. It comes from an Mbari house; these houses are places of worship dedicated to the Igbo gods. The statues there are made of raw clay and then painted. It is a rare work of which very few examples are available for sale. Sold as is, see photos. A beautiful piece for an antique/old‑collection, authentic.
Circa 1960.

A catalog "MBARI - Art Ibo of Nigeria", 2010, limited edition of 100 copies, will be provided.
This work is reproduced there, Ref. No. 1.
A double-boxed shipment will be arranged.

Details

Indigenous object name
Mbari
Ethnic group/ culture
Igbo
Country of Origin
Nigeria
Period
Mid 20th century
Material
Raw Earth
Sold with stand
Yes
Condition
Fair condition
Title of artwork
Mbari statue head
Height
27 cm
Authenticity
Original/official
FranceVerified
944
Objects sold
100%
Private

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