348 - FEMALE STATUE - Nigeria - Chamba?

FEMALE STATUE - Nigeria - Chamba? Mid-20th century. Wood. Dimensions: H. 47 cm. A standing female anthropomorphic figure wearing a tall headdress consisting of two superimposed cylindrical sections, separated by a distinct groove. The face features eyebrows rendered as a continuous, curved line extending to the base of the nose; almond-shaped, half-closed eyes with an introspective expression; a massive, prominent triangular nose; and a closed, rectangular mouth with thick lips. The ears are rendered in relief with geometric shapes. Elongated neck; a streamlined cylindrical silhouette, with the arms arranged in a V-shape along the sides of the body and meeting at the abdomen, without depicted hands—a treatment characteristic of Chamba statuary. This statue may have been used by diviners as an intermediary with the spiritual world. Condition: Light gray-beige, eroded patina. Visible drying cracks on the neck and legs. Research and documentation: Coryse Mwape, art historian specializing in ancient African art. Internal ref.: 1088