Large African carved wooden statue of a woman, Alusi, Igbo, Nigeria, Africa, 19th century
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Large African statue (106 cm) in polychrome carved wood representing a standing woman with a generous belly and a scarification in the shape of a cross, most likely an Alusi deity, from the Igbo culture (Nigeria), from the 19th century
This statue is in good overall condition, in its original state. It is missing arms: the palms must have been turned towards the sky (to receive sacrifices and offerings from the clan).
Please note: missing arms, some damage to the wood (especially the feet), old worm holes, wear to the polychromy, wear from time, take a good look at the photos.
* Igbo statues are among the largest sculptures in African art. Their imposing size, rich relief scarification, and ochre, black, and white paintings make this pair major works of Igbo art. Although regularly nicknamed "ancestor statues," this type of sculpture actually represents a tutelary deity called alusi. The family connection is, however, sometimes symbolic, since the beings represented could be one of the founders of the clan and thus constitute the "father" or "mother" of the group. These statues were kept in a sanctuary dedicated to the ancestors. This place was used during weekly and annual celebrations. A common characteristic allows us to identify alusi statues: the position of the hands turned toward the sky. This attitude is said to evoke the generosity of the deities as well as their willingness to receive sacrifices and offerings.
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