Description:

West Africa, Ghana, Ewe, Ada, or Adan people, ca. early 20th century CE. A fascinating wooden figure, probably made to adorn a private altar. The figure has a very abstract anthropomorphic form, and is decorated with long, colorful textiles that hang from the shoulders, a grass skirt around the waist, and dozens of iron locks, all painted white and with their keys dangling, around the shoulder and waist. String is wrapped tightly around the post-like lower body. Simple facial features are carved onto the diamond-shaped head, giving the impression of small eyes and dramatic cheekbones. This figure may also have been a memorial piece. Key and padlock motifs are also known from other Ghanaian memorial/temple figures. Size: 7.5" W x 31.5" H (19 cm x 80 cm); 33" H (83.8 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: Mark Clayton collection, Long Beach, California, USA; Mr. Clayton is a noted African art collector who recently had Nigerian bronze objects from his collection featured in an exhibition at the UCLA Fowler Museum entitled "Summoning the Ancestors" (September 2018 - March 2019).

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#145774

  • Condition: Rich patina on surface. Some loss to the base of the post. Weathering/cracking to the head. Overall in nice condition commensurate with its age.

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August 11, 2022 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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