H x W x D: 39.1 x 11.0 x 11.4 cm (15 3/8 x 4 5/16 x 4 1/2 in.)
Type:
Figure
Geography:
Iyale, Lower Benue River, Nigeria
Date:
Mid-20th century
Label Text:
This figure is attributed to the region of Iyale and the carver Umale Oganegi. Characteristic of Umale's style of carving are figures with short arms, flat faces and crest hairstyles with an incised lizard pattern on the back torso. The white pigment and round eyes (not slit) differ from most published examples. Physically disabled since childhood, Umale could not farm and so chose carving as a way to earn a living, despite coming from a family not traditionally trained in that art.
Description:
Wood standing female figure with high projecting head crest, short arms and overall white pigmented surface. Figure has a flat face, hollow eyes and linear incised designs on the arms and torso.
Provenance:
Benjamin Weiss, New York, -- to 1979
Content Statement:
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