Yoruba Carved Wood Seated Female Figure

A Yoruba carved wood statue representing a seated female figure highly-stylized with near Cubist lines, lifting her breasts. Among the Yoruba people, lifting breasts is a gesture of greeting, offering, acceptance (see William Fagg, John Holcombe 3rd, "YORUBA SCULPTURE OF WEST AFRICA", p.84). Such figures were places on shrines to honor the ancestors. The figure holding her prominent breasts is related to the deity guarantor for fertility or fecundity. This well-carved female figure could be considered a traditional representation of a typical religious devotee found on many shrines among the Yoruba people of central and southern Nigeria. Placed in a shrine she could be a devotee of either Eshu or Shango, major deities in the Yoruba pantheon.

Origin:
Country: Yoruba, Nigeria
Material: Wood
Height: 43 cms

Provenance:
Private collection of  Mr Alfred Spinnler. Alfred F. Spinnler, CEO of Swiss Pharma Nigeria Ltd. possessed a large collection of tribal art, many items coming from his godfather's own collection acquired in the 1940's. Mr Spinnler acquired a large collection of African traditional art and antiques during his 20 years working in Nigeria and Ghana.

Condition:
Some age related wear, crack along the face, beautiful carving work and patina.