Female Venavi Twin Figure – Ewe, Ghana – Wood and Glass Beads Origin / People: Ewe, Ghana Materials: Light-coloured wood, black and pink pigments, glass beads Dimensions: Height to be confirmed, including display stand Provenance: Personally collected in Ghana by the present owner in the early 1990s Presumed age: 20th century, probably mid-to-late 20th century A charming female venavi figure from the Ewe people of Ghana, distinguished by its gentle expression, beautifully modelled features and delicate touches of colour. Carved from light, pale wood, the figure stands in a characteristic hieratic posture, with straight arms held slightly away from the body and short, powerful legs ending in broad, black-painted feet. The disproportionately large head is particularly expressive. Wide-open eyes, a slender projecting nose and a small, delicately carved mouth give the face a remarkably youthful, almost innocent appearance. The elaborate hairstyle, composed of thick parallel braids, is stained a deep glossy black, creating a striking contrast with the warm, honey-coloured wood. The ringed neck supports a necklace of colourful glass beads, while several strands of tiny yellow and blue beads encircle the waist. A particularly delightful detail is the delicate pink colouring preserved on the fingernails. The clearly modelled breasts contrast with the youthful appearance of the face, giving the sculpture a subtle balance between childhood innocence and adult femininity. The wood displays a beautifully soft, smooth patina, with gentle variations in tone and traces of handling. The figure possesses an unusual tenderness and quiet presence, enhanced by the restrained use of colour and the simplicity of its sculptural composition. Cultural context Among the Ewe people of Ghana and Togo, wooden figures known as venavi or venovi are associated with the special spiritual significance attributed to twins. When one of a pair of twins died, a wooden figure could be commissioned to represent the deceased child and maintain its symbolic presence within the family. Such figures were traditionally cared for, washed, dressed, fed and adorned with beads, reflecting the continuing relationship between the living and the spirit of the deceased twin. Although associated with childhood, venavi figures frequently display adult physical attributes, elaborate hairstyles and jewellery. The present example illustrates this fascinating duality particularly well, combining a distinctly youthful facial expression with the clearly defined anatomy of an adult woman. The precise individual ritual history of this figure is undocumented. Condition Good overall condition, with surface wear, small scratches and minor imperfections consistent with age and handling. The soft patina, dark colouring of the coiffure and feet, delicate pink accents on the fingernails and colourful glass-bead ornaments contribute to the figure's distinctive appearance. Please examine the photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the description. Presented on a custom display stand, included in the sale.