Male figure

Object Details

Ewe artist

Label Text

Reattributed from Asante to Ewe when included in the 1977 Arts of Ghana exhibition, the figure's function and meaning are unclear. While the donor was told it was found on a grave, it may be a shrine piece. The degree of naturalism and inlaid ivory eyes suggest a relativvely late date while the amulet, northern style shirt and short staff suggest a priest.

Description

Wood male figure seated on stool, feet missing, arms outstretched. Proper right hand palm facing out, proper left hand holding rod. Wearing short pants and sleeveless shirt. Incised linear pattern suggesting pleats on shirt. Square amulet hangs on chest. Short black hair, inset ivory eyes, open mouth with white teeth. Neck appears to have been cut off and reattached.

Provenance

Harris J. Klein, New York, -- to 1968

Published References

Cole, Herbert and Doran Ross. 1977. The Arts of Ghana. Los Angeles: Museum of Cultural History, University of California, pp. 113, 116.

Content Statement

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Credit Line

Gift of Harris J. Klein

Mid 20th century

Object number

68-37-1

Restrictions & Rights

Usage conditions apply

Type

Figure

Medium

Wood, ivory, pigment

Dimensions

H x Wx D: 71.3 x 33.7 x 31.2 cm (28 1/16 x 13 1/4 x 12 5/16 in.)

Geography

Ghana

See more items in

National Museum of African Art Collection

National Museum of African Art

Topic

Shrine/Altar

furniture

male

Record ID

nmafa_68-37-1

Metadata Usage (text)

Usage conditions apply

GUID (Link to Original Record)

http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ys771331fe4-d86e-4076-a0fd-324280be956d