Female Figure

Mende, Sierre Leone
Early 20th Century
Previous Collection: Private NYC collection, acquired from William Arnett in the 1970's

Standing on a rounded base with diminutive feet supporting bent legs leading to a elongated torso wearing a carved necklace pendant and cache sex; surmounted by an expressive face and detailed coiffure. The shiny black surface on this figure is traditional to sculptures from the Mende people; there is surface wear from handling and a stabilized age crack on the reverse side. The erosion on the feet and calves are due to exposure at the shrine and small insect feedings. This is a fine and large example of its type.

This figure stands 26.5 inches.
IN 1-10-13 / SOLD