Large African Statue Carved Wood Woman Alusi Igbo Nigeria Africa 19th Century

Large African statue (106 cm) in polychrome carved wood representing a standing woman with a generous belly and a cross-shaped scarification, most likely an Alusi deity, from the Igbo culture (Nigeria), from the 19th century. This statue is in good general condition, in its original condition. It is missing arms: the palms must have been turned towards the sky (to receive sacrifices and offerings from the clan). Please note: missing arms, some accidents on the wood (notably the feet), old worm holes, wear of the polychromy, wear of time, look carefully at the photos. * Igbo statues are among the largest sculptures in African art. The imposing sizes, the rich scarifications in relief and the ochre, black and white paintings, make this couple major works of Igbo art. Although regularly nicknamed "ancestor statues", this type of sculpture actually represents a tutelary deity called alusi. The family bond is, however, sometimes symbolic since the beings represented could be one of the founders of the clan and thus constitute the "father" or "mother" of the group. These statues were kept in a sanctuary dedicated to the ancestors. This place was used during weekly and annual celebrations. A common characteristic allows us to identify the alusi statues: it is the position of the hands turned towards the sky. This attitude would evoke the generosity of the deities as well as their willingness to receive sacrifices and offerings. ATTENTION: FOR A DELIVERY QUOTE CONTACT US WITH CITY AND COUNTRY OF DESTINATION. BE CAREFUL: PLEASE CONTACT US FOR THE DELIVERY PRICE. Dimensions Height 106 cm Reference: 800 233 All photos are on: www.antiques-delaval.com