Painted Ibibio Figure

This whimsical figure from the Ibibio of southern Nigeria is an alluring sight, with its playfully painted physical features, clothing and headcrest. The black-rimmed white eyes with individually painted lashes are striking, as are the figure’s decorative dress and triangularly carved waist adornment. The arms, set apart from the body, are fastened to the shoulders by a common nail and can be positioned by hand. Dolls of this kind were made in quantities by woodenware carvers who specialized in fatting house dolls, chalk spoons, figurative labels and the like. This is a well preserved and truly enchanting work.

22″

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