Lü Me female statue - Dan - Ivory Coast

Feminine Lü Me Figurine - Dan - Ivory Coast Provenance: private collection, Portugal. Dimensions: 44 x 15 cm. Materials: wood, metal, cord. Dan figurines are rare and their craftsmanship is limited to specific workshops where the renowned sculptor named Zlan supposedly worked. He was identified since 1945 by H. Himmelheber. The Maternity of the French Durand-Dessert Collection of the Quai Branly Museum is attributed to him. This feminine Lü figurine adopts a conventional attitude. In a standing position, it stands firmly on its strong, slightly spread legs. The arms, separated from the trunk, lay along the body, in an active position. The face received all the attention of the sculptor, who highlighted the delicacy of the features: open-worked eyes, stretched in almonds, topped by thin eyebrows. The nose is slightly upturned, the hemmed lips are half-open. The hairdo is divided into neat plaits pulled upwards and backwards. Statuettes portraying their favourite wife were commissioned by the chiefs to the best sculptors. Those are particularly neat and are among the best sculptures of this kind. Express and secure shipment.