Ibedji Yoruba Statuette, Nigeria

Male Ibedji presented naked standing on a circular pedestal. He stands on small, massive legs, his slender arms in an arc and his hands placed on his hips. The belly is engraved with geometric symbols, its scarred face with wide open eyes displays a beautiful, joyful and protective expressiveness. He wears a conical cap on his head with checkerboard and linear patterns. Hardwood with a shiny honey patina, metal inlays in the eyes, discreet traces of indigo pigment on the headdress and thick remains of red ocher dye in the hollows of the arms and legs, a small slit at the back of the headdress. Beautiful and old marks of use, good general state of conservation, see the photos. Yoruba, Ilobu, Oshogbo, Oyo, Nigeria. beginning of the 20th century. Dimensions: 28 x 8.5 x 7 cm With black wooden base: 32.5 cm Provenance: Former Amsterdam private collection. Sold with base and certificate of authenticity from expert Serge Reynes * Shipping costs on quote