Nepalese Statuette Representing A Monkey - Early 20th Century

Nepalese statuette representing a monkey - early 20th century (circa 1900–1930).

Anthropomorphic wooden statuette, representing a monkey in a crouching position.
Carved wood, traces of surface oxidation and partial wear of the material, reddish-brown patina.

The statuette represents a seated monkey, knees drawn against the chest and hands resting on the legs.
The face, oval and stylized, has roughly incised features: eyes, a prominent nose and a mouth outlined by a curved incision. The body, compact and stocky, is treated schematically, without any attempt at naturalism.

The piece rests on a modern rectangular base made by the gallery.

This type of representation is characteristic of Nepalese folk art, often produced in a ritual or domestic setting.
The ape-like figures are sometimes associated with Hanuman, a deity of the Hindu pantheon, although it is difficult to state with certainty a precise cult function for this piece, in the absence of liturgical marks or distinct iconography.

The rudimentary workmanship and deliberately simplified proportions suggest artisanal production, probably intended for local use or for sale in an emerging tourist context at the beginning of the 20th century.

No particular signature or inscription is visible.

Height: 13cm
Width: 5cm
Depth: 5cm