A Mama or Chamba Shrine Idol

A very interesting old carved wooden shrine idol, with a bush cow like head atop a long neck, the arms and torso carved in a highly stylized manner. The sculpture had been painted with a red mineral p

A very old and Primitive wooden shrine idol, likely Chamba or related peoples, Cross River region of Nigeria, Africa. A wonderfully archaic example with primitive carving style and highly stylized for

A well weathered and worn carved wooden shrine idol with cubistic features. Such idols are often linked to healing rituals. Chamba or Mumuye ethnic group, Nigeria, West Africa. Custom mounted. measure

The very large primitive shrine idols from Nigeria, West Africa. The two statues are from different tribes in that region, the large black one is likely Chamba peoples, and the weathered smaller examp

A large and impressive old Pende female ancestor sculpture with well weathered surface and shown with one had to her breast, perhaps suggesting a fertility idol. The hard wood sculpture was painted wi

Carved wooden Bateba Thil or Spirit figure in janus Form with signs or offerings and obvious weathering and age. Lobi peoples, Burkina Faso, West Africa. The Idol has been custom mounted and measures

Carved from a single piece of heavy dense wood and embellished with a kaolin clay natural pigment. This is a powerful and dramatic shrine idol from the Urhobo or The Isoko who reside in the southeast

Antique carved wooden Cult idol of Maximon, The Patron Saint of DRinking and smoking ,also called San Simón,who originally was a Mayan deity and folk saint. Maximón is said to represent both light a

A carved wooden female effigy with thick encrusted sacrificial surface patina that sweats in the sunlight, suggesting years of ritual applications or offerings. Such images of female ancestral spirits

A carved wooden anthropomorphic effigy with heavy encrusted surface from offerings over many years. Losses to one leg and old stress fractures in the wood. The Idol measures 15 inches tall on custom d

A carved wood shrine idol with hands to face in a traditional pose, a deep weathered surface with time worn smooth facial features and remains of legs. The Idol appears to be 19th century and measures

A rare and haunting carved wooden idol from a Brujos shrine, with a small old candle embedded into its head. Such idols are known to have been used by sorcerers in witchcraft and ritual. This idol mea

A carved wooden female effigy with thick encrusted sacrificial surface patina that sweats in the sunlight, suggesting years of ritual applications or offerings. Such images of female ancestral spirits

A carved wooden shrine idol of the Water Goddess Mami Wata (Mother Water) with multiple arms and three heads looking in all directions which represents the omnipotent power of the beloved Goddess who

A carved wooden shrine idol with energetic facial expression and suggested sense of movement with the bent legs and arching back posture. The figure has large coffee bean style eyes as well as incised

This is a very fine and rare Old Alusi Shrine idol figure from the Igbo peoples, Nigeria, Africa. A carved wooden figure with tall central crest, accented with a yellow mineral pigment , the face is n

A carved wooden post like idol with heavy encrusted red mineral pigmented surface and highly stylized facial features. Wurkun peoples, Nigeria, Africa. The sculpture measures 19 inches tall ( 24 inche

A carved wooden bateba Thil with extended arms and unusual treatment to the overall form. Lobi peoples, Burkina faso, West Africa. The Figure measures 24 x 14 inches. Provenance: The Robert Banks coll

A carved wooden human effigy with a highly stylized form and very well weathered surface. Tchitcheri are symbols of ancestral spirits and are often placed in the ground around the home and shrines. Mo

A very old, possibly ancient ancestral shrine sculpture with primitive traditional form, with a very well handled surface patina. The figure has been mounted to a marble base and appears to have great

A very old, possibly ancient Tellum ancestral shrine sculpture with classical yet primitive traditional form, with a very well handled surface patina. This idol appears to be a truly ancient example a

A carved wooden male effigy of Dyougou Serou, and is shown hiding his face in his hands in shame for his misdeed. It has also been described as a Mourning figure. This sculpture appears to have been u

This is a very rare old wood sculpture from the Dogon peoples of Mali, West Africa. A highly stylized ancestral effigy featuring a stylized ancestor with a well weathered and encrusted surface, sugges

A Carved wooden Baule Blolo-Bian or Male Shrine Figure. Ivory Coast, West Africa. Provenance: Sothebys Arcade, NY, Mid 1980s. The figure measures 19.75 inches tall.