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Julien Gauthier

Female Figure
Origin: Ovimbundu people, Angola
Materials: Wood, glass beads
Provenance: Auction
Presumed age: First half of the 20th century

An elegant and finely crafted female figure from the Ovimbundu people of Angola, remarkable for both its refinement and expressive power.

Very little is known about these figures. Some scholars believe they were linked to female initiation rituals, while others suggest connections with fertility rites or certain divination practices.

This statuette depicts a young girl standing on a circular base. The body is slender and elongated, with a slightly rounded abdomen and a high, small chest. The legs are only slightly bent, and the delicate feet are clearly defined. The arms fall alongside the torso while remaining detached from it, emphasizing balance and volume. The base of the neck is enhanced by finely rendered clavicles.
The face, expressive and scarified, is delicately modeled with refined features. The eyes are represented by two red glass beads, while the large ears are carefully carved; the left ear is adorned with a glass bead earring. The magnificent braided coiffure falls down to the shoulders, enhancing the elegance of the piece.
The wood shows an age crack on the torso, and the surface has developed a superb, nuanced patina in shades of caramel and brown, slightly encrusted in places — a clear testimony to its age and long use.


Early 20th century - Wood - Good condition

Female figure - Ovimbundu - Angola

African & Tribal Art

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Material

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Extras

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Dust jacket

In replacement packaging

Period

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Achyuta Deva Raya (1529–1542)

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African & Tribal Art

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Female figure - Ovimbundu - Angola

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