Statue(s) (1) - Wood - Nigeria - Early 20th century

CHAMBA guardian statue Throughout animist Africa, the links between the living and the dead are essential, very lively and permanent. The ancestors tombs or reliquaries are carefully maintained and offerings are regularly made to them. They are very often protected by guardian statues, venerated at each visit. This statue, to be planted in the ground, has this function, with its eyes wide open, its ears erect, and its protective talisman on its chest. At each visit, an anointing is prepared in its ventral hollow, then affixed to the forehead both at the entrance and the exit… We find this ventral hollow on statues of the KORO, close neighbors of the Chamba. Beautiful slender rhythm, all in delicacy. Amazing crusty and shiny patina, testifying to its venerable age. Provenance : Private Belgian collection Certification on request Shipping : Insured, tracked and traced Pick up possible at our gallery in Brussels (Sablon)