Dramatic Old Igbo Izzi Shrine Effigy Ex Banks Collection

A Carved wooden shrine effigy with a bold figure with arms raised, perhaps a gesture of receiving an offering, well weathered surface patina suggests years of ceremonial use. The Idol measures 26 inch

A dramatic carved wooden female sculpture with strong carving style and rigid form. Female figures of this kind are known as nyeleni among the Bamana people of Mali. The figures are an idealization of

A bold and dramatic weathered and worn old carved anthropomorphic shrine idol bound in red textiles and adorned with horn, seeds and natural fibers as well as vines. Fon peoples, Togo or Dahomey, West

A Tall carved wooden male effigy with attached arms and hands carved in an outreaching pose, incised scars, painted coiffure and white kaolin clay pigmented surface. Fante peoples, Ghana, Africa. The

A Tall and elaborate carved wooden helmet mask with stylized leopards, ancestors and large mirror on top. Igbo peoples, Nigeria, West Africa. The mask measures 24 inches tall. A metal display stand ca

A carved wooden male shrine or divination idol with well weathered surface and classic facial features and form. Baule peoples, Ivory Coast, West Africa. The sculpture measures 15.5 inches tall on its

A carved wooden female shrine effigy with a very deep well handled surface, the sculptures face has been worn smooth from handling, the facial scars still evident. The figure measures 11.5 inches tall

A dramatic carved wooden shrine idol, an image of a spirit placed on village shrines to act as a medium to the spirit world. This example measures 13 inches tall, and will not balance well on its own.

A finely carved old wooden shrine effigy shown with one hand pointing towards the sky, perhaps in reference to the spirit world. The sculpture was painted with kaolin clay pigments and black paint and

A fine and charming old carved wooden shrine effigy with classic facial features and shown with hands in a gesture of offering. There are a few areas on linear scar designs and a open cavity in the ch

A dramatic carved wooden parade mask with raised scar designs and painted with black and white pigments. Idoma Peoples, Nigeria, Africa. The mask measures 14 inches tall ( 21 inches tall on profession

A tall slender and very old carved wooden male shrine effigy with a deep and well handled surface suggesting many years of field use. The Male sculpture measures 29 inches tall. Nyamwezi peoples, Tanz

A very old and well weathered female shrine effigy with highly stylized form and classic features, some areas of mineral pigment. mambila peoples, Cameroon, West Africa. The idol measures 11.5 inches

A dramatic almost cubistic carved wooden female effigy sculpture with a highly stylized face and form and a well handled and worn surface. Dogon peoples, Mali, Africa. The sculpture measures 22 inches

An elegant and refined example of a male effigy with hands to the chest, incised beard, pouty mouth and deep well handled surface patina. The Sculpture was reportedly once offered at Sothebys London,

A carved wooden female effigy of a Bateba Thil, or Spirit from a Lobi shrine. The idol measures 10 x 2.5 inches. Lobi peoples, Burkina Faso, West Africa. Provenance: Ex Robert Banks collection, MD, US

A carved wooden female effigy with a janus style head and well handled surface patina. The female in kneeling pose possibly suggests a devotee to a diviners cult and the spirit world , always present,

A very finely carved olden wooden shrine idol with a honey colored surface patina and obvious handling and most likely ceremonial use over generations. The female effigy measures 11 inches tall on its

A carved wooden female effigy shown seated on traditional stool, with stylized coiffure, carved adornment and a well handled surface patina suggesting field use over many years , possibly as a shrine

A finely carved antique wooden effigy of the Goddess Sita of the Ramayana epic, a popular heroine of Balinese culture. The figure is shown seated, perhaps part of a temple or shrine display at one tim

A Highly stylized female effigy or bateba ( Spirit Idol) with encrusted sacrificial patina as well as classic form, tall conical head and protruding navel. Lobi peoples, Burkina faso, Africa. The scul

A Carved wooden female effigy with dramatic carved facial features, raised linear designs, interesting squatting form, embellished with red mineral pigments and showing much weathering and wear. Bembe

A carved wooden female idol with an unusual treatment to the face and head, finely carved coiffure, raised scar designs. Baule peoples, Ivory Coast, West Africa. The sculpture measures 17.5 x 3.5 inch

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