Sep 2, 2016
Sep 2, 2016
Sep 2, 2016
Sep 2, 2016
Sep 2, 2016
Sep 2, 2016
Sep 2, 2016

Male figure

Male figure

probably 1800s

Copper alloy

Height: 44.7 x 22.7 x 9.6 cm (17 5/8 x 8 15/16 x 3 3/4 in.)

John L. Severance Fund 2016.57

Location

Description

Realized in a very distinctive style using the lost-wax method, this figure’s cultural origin and function is limited because it was removed from Nigeria during that country’s turbulent civil war of the late 1960s. Perhaps it was once part of an altar or shrine dedicated to a guardian or tutelary spirit. Connotations of prestige and wealth may explain why copper-alloy objects were diffused across vast territory and inherited over many generations.

See also
Collection: 
African Art
Department: 
African Art
Type of artwork: 
Sculpture
Medium: 
Copper alloy

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