Piece Extremely Rare on the market of Tribal Arts
LIMBA, Sierra Leone/Guinea
Engraved hardwood, natural brown patina, cowry shells, metal.
Statuette depicting a feminine figure on a stand, with generous breasts, a ringed neck, the head presents an expressive face, the eyes are incrusted with cowry shells.
The reliquary function of this figurine is expressed through the cranial load, presenting a remnant of deposit.
Height: 82 cm
The feet are missing; cracks.
An identical model measuring 103 cm was estimated by SOTHEBY'S between 40,000 and 60,000 USD in 2000.
Given the proportions, the volumes and the comparison of the details, it is certainly from the same sculptor. (Have a look at the pictures).
Provenance: Private collection, Paris. Purchased in the 1980s from Pierre Vérité.
- Object
- Statue
- Ethnic group/ culture
- LIMBA
- Region/ country
- Sierra Leone
- Material
- Cowry, Metal, Wood
- Period
- Late 19th Century-Early 20th Century
- Condition
- Fair
- Sold with stand
- Yes
- Dimensions
- 82×16×20.5 cm