Chamba, Nigeria/Cameroon: A protective ‘tau-wandoa’ figure.
The Chamba people live in southeastern Nigeria, to the south of the Benue river, on either side of the Cameroon border. Their typical, mostly small sculptures made of hard wood (male: ‘tau-wandoa’, female: ‘tau-kendoa’) are carved in a form similar to a staff and highly abstract. With slightly bent arms close to the body, legs and usually a ‘hat’ on their large head. Planted with iron tips in the ground of the fields, these figures are supposed to secure a rich harvest and protect people against snake bites (according to Leo Frobenius). The present, male ‘tau wandoa’ figure of the Chamba displays a extraordinarily old, black shiny patina, characteristic forms, and is in excellent condition. Between c. 1900 and the first third of the 20th century; H: 25 cm. (ME)
Provenance: French private collection, Viennese private collection.
Specialist: Erwin Melchardt
Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
05.11.2014 - 13:00
- Realized price: **
-
EUR 1,500.-
- Estimate:
-
EUR 1,800.- to EUR 2,000.-
Chamba, Nigeria/Cameroon: A protective ‘tau-wandoa’ figure.
The Chamba people live in southeastern Nigeria, to the south of the Benue river, on either side of the Cameroon border. Their typical, mostly small sculptures made of hard wood (male: ‘tau-wandoa’, female: ‘tau-kendoa’) are carved in a form similar to a staff and highly abstract. With slightly bent arms close to the body, legs and usually a ‘hat’ on their large head. Planted with iron tips in the ground of the fields, these figures are supposed to secure a rich harvest and protect people against snake bites (according to Leo Frobenius). The present, male ‘tau wandoa’ figure of the Chamba displays a extraordinarily old, black shiny patina, characteristic forms, and is in excellent condition. Between c. 1900 and the first third of the 20th century; H: 25 cm. (ME)
Provenance: French private collection, Viennese 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: | 05.11.2014 - 13:00 |
| Location: | Vienna | Palais Dorotheum |
| Exhibition: | 31.10. - 05.11.2014 |
** Purchase price incl. buyer's premium and VAT
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