NTUMU STYLE, GABON
HEIGHT 51CM

Natural patina, no decoration. Left front foot, lip and nose slightly chipped, part of the back of statue quite severely damaged from water seeping in the shrine where it was kept. A very powerful piece, I have personally seen local Fang people holding it in their hands and praying to their forefathers, and that was only a few years ago. Statues with natural patina were traditionally placed onto the village tree during important meetings and ceremonies. Each village has a large tree located next to the main communal area.