Ancestor Statue, Chamba People, Nigeria

Statue depicting a standing figure with short legs. The torso and arms are unusually long. The arms are held close to the body, forming a sort of open diamond shape. The navel is prominent. The round head is thrust forward and ends in a crest adorned with two metal rings. A hole left open suggests that one ring is missing. The statue still has its colorful loincloth. A necklace made of plant material is fastened around the neck with a nail.
The originality and rarity of this statue lie in the movement created by the artist. Indeed, the head and arms are turned as if the statue were dancing.
This is extremely rare among the Chamba people.
Wood, pigments, plant material, metal.
Height: 44 cm.
Mid-20th century.
Provenance: Collection of Mr. Norbert Boutet