Wood Africain Figurine, Igbo tradition, mid 20th

Wood, fabric, traces of white natural pigments and red ochre, brown patina
Ibo (Igbo) tradition, Nigeria
Mid 20th century
Height: 100 cm

Striking in its elongated proportions and quiet, frontal presence, this finely carved Ibo (Igbo) figurine is distinguished by its pronounced sagittal crest and carefully articulated physiognomy. The figure stands upright with a composed, almost ceremonial bearing, holding a small mirror-like object against the chest, while the hands, facial features and elongated limbs are rendered with remarkable attention to detail.

Carved in wood, the surface retains a beautifully developed brown patina, enriched by traces of white natural pigments and red ochre. The subtle remnants of polychromy, together with the areas of wear accumulated over time, give the sculpture an exceptional sense of age and authenticity. The figure is further distinguished by the carved bands encircling the lower legs and by the fragmentary textile garment at the waist, adding to its powerful sculptural character.

The pronounced crest, refined facial features and restrained geometric treatment of the body are characteristic of the expressive vocabulary found in Igbo sculpture, where human figures could embody ideals of identity, status and spiritual presence. Here, the combination of the mirror, pigment traces and strongly vertical silhouette creates an object of unusual visual intensity.

Dating to middle of the 20th century, this rare figure possesses the distinctive character of an important African sculpture: archaic in appearance, finely worked, and enriched by an authentic aged surface.

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