
Description
Unique wooden maternity figure from the Igbo tribe. The faces of the large figure are covered in white clay (phembe). The 8,000.000 IGBO people – who live primarily from farming – settled in the northern part of the Niger River Delta, in an area of forests and swamps. Village councils composed of the eldest people from each family govern the tribe. Their power is counterbalanced by secret societies.
These specific figure was placed outdoors and sunk into the earth, becoming wonderfully aged by exposure.
Exhibiting a wide diversity in size, symbolism, intimacy and style. African maternity figures depict the ideals of beauty, fertility, character and action and many signify much more, whether the primordial mother or a legendary founding ancestor. Commonly used as shrine figures, they were often objects of petitions or prayers for fertility and successful births.
Provenance: Manfred Schäfer collection, ex- gallery owner from Ulm, Germany.
Object:
Maternity Figure
Ethnic group:
Igbo
Country:
Nigeria
Material:
Wood
Estimated period:
Mid 20th century
Sold with stand:
No
Dimensions:
53x9x9 cm
Weight:
1500 gram
Condition:
Good condition, used with some signs of wear
Reserve: $250.00
Shipping:Domestic: Flat-rate of $49.00 to anywhere within the contiguous U.S. International: Foreign shipping rates are determined by destination. International shipping may be subject to VAT. Combined shipping: Please ask about combined shipping for multiple lots before bidding. Location: This item ships from The Netherlands
Your purchase is protected:
In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Chairish Auctions specialists are here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Chairish Auctions within 5 days of receiving the item.
These specific figure was placed outdoors and sunk into the earth, becoming wonderfully aged by exposure.
Exhibiting a wide diversity in size, symbolism, intimacy and style. African maternity figures depict the ideals of beauty, fertility, character and action and many signify much more, whether the primordial mother or a legendary founding ancestor. Commonly used as shrine figures, they were often objects of petitions or prayers for fertility and successful births.
Provenance: Manfred Schäfer collection, ex- gallery owner from Ulm, Germany.
Object:
Maternity Figure
Ethnic group:
Igbo
Country:
Nigeria
Material:
Wood
Estimated period:
Mid 20th century
Sold with stand:
No
Dimensions:
53x9x9 cm
Weight:
1500 gram
Condition:
Good condition, used with some signs of wear
Reserve: $250.00
Shipping:
Your purchase is protected:
In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Chairish Auctions specialists are here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Chairish Auctions within 5 days of receiving the item.
Buyer's Premium
20%
Maternity Figure- Wood – Igbo – Nigeria
Estimate $300-$350
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Decorative Tribal Art Sale
Feb 26, 2026 1:00 PM ESTNew York, NY, United States
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