Description:

Western Africa, Togo, Ewe people, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A fine group of 5 hand-carved wooden figure with yellow-white skin. Three of the figures are female - each with pointed breasts and backswept coiffures - and 2 are male with delineated pectoral muscles and short-cropped coiffures. Each figure has black-painted shoes that suggest they were intended to be dressed up with colorful costumes. Dolls like these examples are called "venavi" or "venovi" and the Ewe 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. The wood of all three has developed a smooth patina, perhaps resulting from a loving mother's touch. Size of largest: 2.9" W x 9.125" H (7.4 cm x 23.2 cm)

Provenance: private Hidden Valley Lake, California, USA collection

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#170807

  • Condition: A couple of stable hairline fissures on the versos of 3 figures as shown. Each figure has light abrasions and fading to pigment, otherwise all are intact and very good. Nice preservation to overall forms.

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June 15, 2022 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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