Shrine Figure

Ewe, Benin (Nigeria)
Early 20th Century

This is an intriguing example of an Ewe shrine figure. The thick cylindrical body is surmounted by an expressive face with deep inset cowry shell eyes. The cowry shells in the eyes symbolize the objects power to see into the spirit world. This example has a deeply encrusted sacrificial patina from years of libations at the shrine.

This figure stands 17 inches in height.

SOLD / IN 2212