West Africa, Nigeria, Ibibio culture, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A carved wood statue of a standing figure known as a "uden nyamain" in a characteristic wide-hipped and stylized form with black pigments on her body and coiffure /cap. This type of doll was presented to a girl / young woman when she entered the "fatting house." The doll was kept with her during this time to represent her future children and promote fertility. The "fatting house" was a place where the girls ate and drank to gain weight in the weeks before their wedding - their weight indicated wealth and larger bodies were the idealized beauty standard at the time. Size: 2" W x 11.75" H (5.1 cm x 29.8 cm); 12.25" H (31.1 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: ex-Royal Athena Galleries, New York City, New York, USA; ex-Sotheby's, May 8 1989, Auction 5847, lot 308

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#180736

Chip and loss to nose. Some surface abrasions and nicks, but otherwise intact and very good condition.