Outstanding Yoruba Kneeling Female Figure Holding Offering Bowl (Olumeye) – Ekiti, Nigeria

1970′. Wood, cm. 67,0 high x cm. 24,0 width x cm. 35,0 depth (26.38″ x 9.45″ x 13.78″). Kg 6,4 (14.11 lb). Museum quality piece. Former german collection.

This female figure is named Olumeye (“one who knows honor”) and serves as a messenger to the spirits.

The figure, carved from a single piece of hard wood,  is decorated with fine carved lines of elaborate scars in relief. Expressive facial features with tall incised median-crested coiffure, traces of colors, scarification on face, talismans on the arms, on the breast and ond the back, carved bracelets and carved ornaments on the upper arms. The Olumeye is decored with 5 figures.

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