Description:

West Africa, Nigeria, Igbo people, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. A gorgeous carved wooden door with deeply incised diamond, triangle, and square patterns. Two projections, one each from top and bottom along one side, were made to be slotted into grooves to hold the door. A single hole near the center allows the person behind it to look out at visitors. The door would have closed off the entrance to a granary. The symbols carved on the door are protective, some meant to represent the ancestors in highly abstract form. This carving was done in the style of those made in the Awka village, where the best known examples of these types of doors are found. Artisans use the deeply cut striated patterns to catch sunlight and create interesting patterns of shadows. Decorated doors proclaim the importance and wealth of their owners. Size: 21.75" W x 47" H (55.2 cm x 119.4 cm)

Provenance: private Rochester, Michigan, USA collection

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#126473

  • Condition: Surface has beautiful aged patina with one large and two smaller stable cracks in the wood near the edge of one corner. Expected wear from age and handling on surface.

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August 31, 2017 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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