A carved wood staff figure

Description:

possibly Ibibio, Nigeria
H. 97 (101,5) cm
Wood with a dark, partly crusty patina and geometric incised ornamentation. The highly stylised female figure may represent a puppet that was held by a handle at the lower edge. Holes in the shoulder area for attaching movable arms. Abstracted figure with a “modern” expression.
From the collection of Helmut Zake (1918-1995), Heidelberg, German historian and founder of the Society for Ethnology and Tribal Art, inherited within the family
- Partial age-related damage and wear, arms lost, on a base