For a more detailed explanation see cat. no. 75. A comparatively small divine figure ‘Alusi’, in the style of the northern settlement area of the Ibo (also called Igbo), in south-eastern Nigeria (the ‘Alusi’ divine figures of the southern Ibo are more ‘angular’).
The female sculpture presented here is carved from light coloured, hard and heavy wood. It wears the typical, tall crested coiffure, a double row of detailed scarification marks on chest and abdomen above the emphasised navel, a necklace with amulet pendant, as well as bangles and ankle bracelets on both arms and legs, ornaments that are carved out from the same piece. The entire figure was once coloured red with ochre earth. The central areas of the crested coiffure, the wide and slit eyes, the open mouth (with grooved rows of teeth), as well as the bracelets and ankle rings were accentuated with white kaolin. A perfect, relatively small ‘Alusi’ figure of the Ibo, with minimal damage due to age (small cracks and breaks to the crest above and to the right leg below, on the inside). Otherwise complete and in prime condition, with good, partially shiny patina.
Height: 94 cm. First half of the 20th century.

Provenance: According to the consignor, the present item was purchased by his father on the art market in Paris in the 1970s. Since then: German private collection. (ME)

Lit.: ‘Igbo’ by Herbert M. Cole, ill. 15, 16, 17.