The Urhobo live in the northwestern region of the Niger Delta, in South Nigeria. The present, relatively small Urhobo figure depicts either the female ancestor of a clan or the wife of ‘Ejo’, a ‘mythical warrior’, whom the Urhobo worship as bush spirit in special shrines.
Made of lightweight wood carved, dyed black and white, in a standing position on a round plinth, this small sculpture displays all the features of the Urhobo style: Under a tall cap, the head displays the typical long, vertical decorative scarification marks on the high forehead and neck, with outlined eyes and two plaits on the back of the head, as well as a conspicuously protruding open mouth. This figure in a marked standing position features two arms hanging free on the sides, further decorative scarification marks on the abdomen and wears ornaments around the neck, chest and hips, as well as large bracelets on both arms and legs. Red remains of powdered redwood from earlier sacrificial offerings are still visible on the plinth.
No damage.
First half of the 20th century; H: 39 cm. (ME)

Provenance: Austrian Private Collection.

Lit.: 'The Tribal Art of Africa' by Jean-Baptiste Bacquart, p. 93, fig. 8; 'Encyclopedia of African Art and Culture' by K.-F. Schädler, fig. p. 597.