Description:

Western Africa, Ghana, Mina (also Elmina) peoples, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A fine set of two matching figures, hand-carved from hardwood, depicting a standing male and female. Both figures present nude aside from black-painted shoes and feature exposed genitalia, broad shoulders, slender arms draped next to the waist, and a cylindrical neck with incised rings. The heads exhibit bulging eyes flanking a narrow nose, slit-form mouths, and thick brows, with the female bearing a central urna and a braided coiffure, and the male with a minimalist hairdo. Figures like this were meant to wear additional clothing and accessories made by Mina craftspeople. Size of largest (female): 4.125" W x 8.625" H (10.5 cm x 21.9 cm)

Provenance: ex-private Moore collection, Denver, Colorado, USA, acquired prior to 1990

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#154703

  • Condition: Female has repair to front half of right foot, with small chips and light adhesive residue along break lines; male is intact and very good. Both figures have minor abrasions to limbs, bodies, and heads, with a few stable hairline fissures, and light fading to original pigment. Nice remains of original pigment on feet and heads as well as smooth patina throughout.

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April 23, 2020 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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