Well-Used Male Ewe Venavi

This venavi, literally “twin” figure, is either the mate of — or by — the same carver as another on this site (see Ewe Venavi with a Worn Face). The two were acquired at different times from the same source. Both specimens are male, of similar height, patina and age with similar sexual details inscribed on their abdomens. However, one has had its face rubbed and washed until no features remain while this example retains its eyes and has a deeply carved still-present mouth that shows much evidence of having been ritually fed. As Ewe cultural mores proscribe that twins and their representations be treated equally, dressed the same and fed at the same time to avoid even an appearance of preference for one over the other, it would be odd for one of a pair of venavi to have retained its face while the other lost it through presumably more vigorous attention. It is also notable that this venavi was had its feet indigenously repaired — a common practice on an individual basis that would nevertheless be surprising to find in only one of a matched pair.

9.5″

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