A Bamana female Shrine Effigy Ex Scanzi Collection

A classic carved wooden female ancestor sculpture with raised central crested coiffure, incised scar designs and a very well handled surface with deep patina, especially on the backside. The sculpture

A tall slender carved wooden shrine idol with elaborate coiffure, classic facial features and well weathered surface. Dogon peoples, Mali, West Africa. The sculpture measures 24 inches tall. Provenanc

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 fine old carved wooden female effigy with a classic face and form, well weathered and worn, signs of handling and wear. The Idol measures 24 inches tall ( 26 inches on display stand) Senufo peoples,

A Carved wooden shrine head effigy in classic form with well handled surface patina, and a wonderful tilted back form as the spirit idol looks to the heavens. Bateba Thil sculptures such as this repre

A Carved wooden shrine head effigy in classic form with well handled surface patina. Bateba Thil sculptures such as this represent forest spirits and are kept on personal and village shrines to act as

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 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

An elegant carved wooden zoomorphic effigy of a mystical antelope attached to a basketry headdress adorned with cowrie shells and textiles. Bamana peoples, mali, West Africa. The headdress measures 21

A very finely carved male and female couple, likely used as a Diviners pair, vessels for the spirits during ritual and placed on a shrine to act as a medium to the spirit world. The pair are well carv

A Carved wooden female effigy with highly stylized form and features, well handled, smooth surface patina suggests field use over many years, perhaps generations. Bozo or Bamana peoples, Mali, Africa.

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 rare carved wooden shrine idol with stylized facial features, incised linear coiffure, the females hands are placed above the abdomen in a possible fertility pose, early to mid-20th c. Zigua peoples

A tall slender carved wood and painted male & female effigy in janus form with highly stylized facial features and overall form. The sculpture is adorned with a red textile wrap skirt and measures 22

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 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 very unusual and rare male and female effigies in terracotta clay of seated figures with well weathered surface. The clay idols measure 9 x 5 x 3.5 inches. Luba peoples, DRC/ Congo, central Africa.

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 very fine old female effigy from carved wood with incised coiffure, ringed neck, raised scar design, a serene facial expression along with arms and hands carved away from the torso in an energetic p

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 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