Lot 97E
West Africa, Burkina Faso, Lobi Dagari people, ca. early to mid 20th century. A very large, hand-carved wooden phallic figure created by a subgroup of the Lobi people known as the Dagari. This type of figure was intended to be a protective form, and was traditionally placed on lineage or family shrines. This example is among the tallest we have ever seen. Typically, they are about half this size! A fascinating anthropomorphic wooden figure from one of the most abstract artistic traditions in the world. The figure is hand-carved, with long, outspread legs that meet at a narrow waist with a prominent conical phallus protruding from the front. The lengthy, cylindrical torso towers above the delineated legs and terminates with a rounded head on top that boast a pointed chin and no other discernible facial features. Size: 19.625" W x 40.125" H (49.8 cm x 101.9 cm); 40.375" H (102.6 cm) on included custom stand.
Dagari figures represent abstract ideals, hence their abstract forms, and are designed to look mysterious and brooding because they commune with a world beyond human comprehension or even sight. Figures like this one are carved to be kept inside a chamber and atop a personal altar built into a family dwelling. Their role was to protect the home from any misfortune or illness. In exchange, they could demand offerings - food and sacrifices - and also demand additional figures to be placed beside them, leading to an accumulation of similar sculptures in the home.
A Dagari statue of a similar size sold for 13,750 Euros at Christie's Paris Sale 16410 - 27 June 2018 - Lot 29
Provenance: private Houston, Texas, USA collection, purchased from dealers, beginning in the late 1980s to as recently as 2017
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#159620
- Condition: Normal age wear with surface wear, losses to peripheries, and areas of inactive insect wear as shown. A few age cracks, the largest one from head about half-way down the side of the piece. A few losses to legs, back of head, and body as shown.
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| From: | To: | Increments: |
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| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |