An Igbo Tutelary or Guardian Figure, alusi...

Description

An Igbo Tutelary or Guardian Figure, alusi
Northcentral Nigeria, 20th century

Carved hardwood (iroko) with traces of camwood and kaolin pigments. In form of a young female with her hands forward, palms up in a gesture of giving. Her head features a detailed plaited coiffure with a tall crest. Traditional Igbo scarification marks on her forehead and down her chest and abdomen. In good condition aside from an old crack through proper right shoulder. The figure wears a braided twine necklace, and a second necklace made of small white shells strung on twine, both associated and maybe original to the piece. Mounted to a metal base.

Provenance:
The Private Collection of Dr. John Ross, Sr., purchased from the following in 1990.
Sotheby's New York, auction of the Harry A. Franklin Collection of African Art, April 21, 1990, lot #217
Harry A. Franklin, Beverly Hills, CA

Height: 42 inches, including base

More Information: Height without stand: 41 ½ inches


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