Ligbi/Jimini Figure, Côte d'Ivoire

height 7 5/8in (19.5cm)

Provenance
Tao Kerefoff Collection, Paris
Drs. John and Nicole Dintenfass Collection, New York

The juxtaposition of angles and curves appear to be the artist's intent in this fine miniature sculpture. The hard lines of the jaw, forearms and thighs slope downward in parallel, contrasting with the voluminous, spherical head, rounded chest and buttocks. The arms are separated from the torso at the elbows, accentuating the curvature of the torso. The rounded head has a large, flat facial plane, divided down the center with a long, thin nose with broad nostrils. The eyes are wide and slit, and appear to be downcast in meditation; rich, varied light and dark brown surface with encrusted ritual patination.