Description:

Western Africa, Togo, Ewe peoples, ca. mid-20th century CE. An interesting set of 3 hand-carved wooden figures with yellow-white skin. Two of the figures are female - each with pointed breasts and backswept coiffures - and the largest is a male with a neatly cropped coiffure; the male and 1 female have black-painted shoes. 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 (lightest skin): 3.125" W x 8.4" H (7.9 cm x 21.3 cm); 9.125" H (23.2 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-Lynn Rosen collection, New York, USA

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#172085

  • Condition: Female figure without painted shoes has losses to proper left foot; remaining 2 figures are intact and very good. Each figure has light abrasions and fading to pigment, small nicks, and a couple of stable fissures to barefooted female. Nice patina throughout.

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October 9, 2022 10:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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