Beschreibung:

uhunmwun-elao Wood height 24in (61cm) Provenance: Robert Stolper, Amsterdam Pace Primitive Art, New York Private Collection, Chicago The back of the head is carved with a slot for holding a tusk or animal horn, and for anchoring the head to the altar. The carved decorative motifs surrounding the face depict coral, and the feather rising on the left side is a sign of courtly, chief's attire. The large size of the present example suggests it came from an elaborate ancestral altar from a powerful chief's house. This exceptionally carved head exhibits the amount of wear and ancient patina consistent with a late 19th century or earlier date of carving.