Description:

Africa, Niger River, Liberia (Loma) or Guinea (Toma), ca. mid-20th century CE. Expertly carved from a single piece of wood, a maternal sculpture depicting a female standing with her head slightly bowed, bent knees, and arms beside her body with hands showing outward facing palms. She carries an adorable infant/toddler on her back, and her pronounced breasts signify her fertile state. The woman's abstract visage is quite striking with incised striations running below the nose and adorning the cheeks. In addition, incised rings embellish her neck and a mesmerizing geometric design is carved upon her abdomen with a diamond shape over her stomach and a teardrop form emphasizing the locus of her womb. The Toma/Loma peoples are best known for the Landai mask which features an articulated crocodile jaw and a flat human face and is used to symbolically devour candidates for the Poro society at the end of their initiation. Figures like this example are much rarer. Custom stand. Size: 8.5" deep x 9" W x 30.375" H (21.6 cm x 22.9 cm x 77.2 cm); 33.75" H (85.7 cm) on stand

Note: This sculpture is large and heavy. Please inquire about shipping charges.

Provenance: private Allen Davis collection, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA

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.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#125472

  • Condition: Losses to bottom of feet. Age cracks. Minor surface wear. Dark, lustrous patina.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

August 3, 2017 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$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 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000