Senufo, Ivory Coast, Liberia: a standing male figure, called ‘Tugubele’.
A standing male figure in typical Senufo style. Made of hard wood, very finely carved, and dyed black. With high crested coiffure and a small braid at the neck, protruding, round, small ears, high eyebrow arches above almond-shaped eyes, long, delicate nose and with an open mouth with rows of teeth. The arms are carved free from the body, with upper arm bangles, and are bent. Both lower arms with bangles, and hands, lie on the abdomen, protecting the accentuated navel. A delicate, old crack to the right side of the figure’s body. Otherwise no damage. Colour scuffing through protracted use and good patina.
Such relatively small figures are employed by the soothsayers of the Senufo people as ‘helpers’ during their oracles and prophecies. They are called ‘Tugubele’ figures.
Height: 27.3 cm.
First half of the 20th century. (ME)
Provenance:
Austrian private collection.
Specialist: Erwin Melchardt
Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
20.02.2017 - 14:00
- Starting bid:
-
EUR 1,200.-
Senufo, Ivory Coast, Liberia: a standing male figure, called ‘Tugubele’.
A standing male figure in typical Senufo style. Made of hard wood, very finely carved, and dyed black. With high crested coiffure and a small braid at the neck, protruding, round, small ears, high eyebrow arches above almond-shaped eyes, long, delicate nose and with an open mouth with rows of teeth. The arms are carved free from the body, with upper arm bangles, and are bent. Both lower arms with bangles, and hands, lie on the abdomen, protecting the accentuated navel. A delicate, old crack to the right side of the figure’s body. Otherwise no damage. Colour scuffing through protracted use and good patina.
Such relatively small figures are employed by the soothsayers of the Senufo people as ‘helpers’ during their oracles and prophecies. They are called ‘Tugubele’ figures.
Height: 27.3 cm.
First half of the 20th century. (ME)
Provenance:
Austrian private collection.
Specialist: Erwin Melchardt
Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
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| Auction: | Tribal Art |
| Auction type: | Saleroom auction |
| Date: | 20.02.2017 - 14:00 |
| Location: | Vienna | Palais Dorotheum |
| Exhibition: | 11.02. - 20.02.2017 |