Vintage West African Spirit Spouse Carving

Item Details

A vintage West African ‘spirit spouse’ carving. The carved sculpture depicts a male figure with short legs and long arms. The elongated head has exaggerated features, with large, closed eyes, a long nose, and full lips on a closed mouth. A stylized chip-carved beard wraps around the jaw and under the figure’s chin. The figure holds his splayed fingers on either side of his protruding belly, and stands on a round base. The sculpture is carved from dark, dense wood, possibly African rosewood, or other dense hardwood. Maker and date are unknown.

Condition

Condition consistent with the age of the item
- large crack in the base of the sculpture
- small cracking around the side of the head
- small scratches and dings
- missing piece out of left elbow.

Dimensions

Item #

16DEN081-001