A Urhobo Seated Chief...

Description

A Urhobo Seated Chief
Nigeria, First half of the 20th century

The imposing male is seated on a small stool with hands down to sides, each wrist with a large bracelet. He is naked aside from the bracelets, armbands, and a necklace with a gourd vessel pendant. Plus he wears a tall stovepipe hat reportedly created for this sculpture by the contemporary artist Alison Saar, who was represented early in her career by the Jan Baum Gallery, and a friend of the the Baums. Carved from hardwood with black, white, and yellow ocher pigments. Scattered dark stains all over from ritual libations. In good condition, the right side of the mouth sheared off, paint loss overall.

Provenance:
Property from the Collection of Dr. Richard and Jan Baum, Los Angeles, CA

Height: 58 inches

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