Rare Early 20th C. Ghana Wood & Grass Figure w/ Locks

West Africa, Ghana, Ewe, Ada, or Adan people, ca. early 20th century CE. A fascinating wooden figure, probably made to adorn a private altar. The figure has a very abstract anthropomorphic form, and is decorated with long, colorful textiles that hang from the shoulders, a grass skirt around the waist, and dozens of iron locks, all painted white and with their keys dangling, around the shoulder and waist. String is wrapped tightly around the post-like lower body. Simple facial features are carved onto the diamond-shaped head, giving the impression of small eyes and dramatic cheekbones. This figure may also have been a memorial piece. Key and padlock motifs are also known from other Ghanaian memorial/temple figures. Size: 7.5" W x 31.5" H (19 cm x 80 cm); 33" H (83.8 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: Mark Clayton collection, Long Beach, California, USA; Mr. Clayton is a noted African expert and collector who recently had Nigerian bronze objects from his collection featured in an exhibition at the UCLA Fowler Museum entitled "Summoning the Ancestors" (September 2018 - March 2019).

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#145774
Condition Report: Rich patina on surface. Some loss to the base of the post. Weathering/cracking to the head. Overall in nice condition commensurate with its age.