Description:

Western Africa, Togo, Ewe peoples, ca. mid-20th century CE. A hand-carved female doll known as a "venavi" or "venovi" standing nude save for a pair of enormous, black-painted shoes. The woman presents with slender arms hanging from rounded shoulders and bears perky breasts with black-painted nipples. Above her thick neck is an enlarged head bearing ovoid eyes, a slender nose, black lips, and large, pinned back ears, all beneath a backswept coiffure. The Ewe people have traditionally carved such figures for protection following the death of a twin. Ewe women care for such dolls by cleaning and 'feeding' them, and at times even using such dolls as a replacement child. Size: 4.3" W x 11.25" H (10.9 cm x 28.6 cm)

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-Lynn Rosen collection, New York, USA, acquired in the 1970s

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#171612

  • Condition: Repair to front of right foot. Losses to back of head. Several stable fissures, with light abrasions and fading to pigment. Nice patina and smooth surface texture throughout. Old inventory label beneath left foot.

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January 19, 2023 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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