A tall standing female figure of the Igbo of Nigeria, carved in wood and set on two rough, block-like feet. The collection catalogue records it as coming from the Ibocane Chiefdom.

1. Form and carving

The figure stands upright with arms close to the body and hands closed. The head carries a tall crest rising from a smooth, ridged hairline, a star-shaped mark on the forehead, and incised hatched marks running diagonally across each cheek. The eyes are narrow and the lips are painted black. A broad, finely cross-hatched band curves across the shoulders and upper chest. Cross-hatched bands also circle both upper forearms, and heavy, ribbed coils encase the lower legs above the feet.

2. Surface

The body is covered in a thick, chalky white coating, now patchy and worn in places, with red accents on the ears, neck, hands and one thigh. The black of the hair, lips and incised bands contrasts strongly with the white. The wood of the feet is dark and rough where it is left bare.

3. Context

The collection catalogue designates the piece a post figure from the Ibocane Chiefdom and refers to related post figures in the collection.

Summary

A tall Igbo post figure from Nigeria, white-coated with red accents, with a crested coiffure, incised facial marks and coiled leg bands.