Alusi Figure with Adornments

Alusi shrine figure sporting a traditional four-cornered hat and leg and wrist bands. The large-footed figure bears typical scarification; the body has been rubbed with ochre. Field wear and oxidation suggests that it was carved (from wood with a very distinctive grain) prior to 1940. This figure was part of a cache of African wood carvings found in the rear of a Manhattan warehouse locker, where all the objects were wrapped in newspaper dated June 16, 1974. Other items in these boxes were similarly from southern Nigeria, areas caught up in the Biafran Civil War, 1967-1970. Likely purchased circa 1971 or earlier. Ex Sidney and Gae Berman.

27.5″

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