Description:

**First Time At Auction**

West Africa, Burkino Faso, Mossi, ca. early 20th century CE. An enigmatic, hand-carved wooden figure of a woman, standing nude atop an integral circular base, with a slightly slanted posture and angled abdomen. Her pendulous, triangular breasts are the central feature comprising her chest, with right-angle shoulders and an elongated tubular neck. Her narrow head exhibits a slender facial profile with a broad nose, small mouth, and large, cresting coiffure and dozens of incised lattice-form lines on either side. The Mossi peoples are well-known for their wooden dolls. Mossi dolls are typically carved by male blacksmiths and are given to girls for play and the attainment of fertility. Custom museum-quality display stand included. Size: 2.375" W x 12.25" H (6 cm x 31.1 cm); 12.5" H (31.8 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: ex-collection of the late Peter Arnovick, San Francisco, California, USA

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#135916

  • Condition: Surface wear and minor abrasions commensurate with age, small nicks to breasts, base, and head, and some fading to finer incised details, otherwise intact and very good. Light earthen deposits and beautiful dark-brown patina throughout. Old collection labels on bottom of base.

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August 16, 2018 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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