Female Figure
Early-mid 20th century
Probably Kantana Benue River region, Nigeria Coastal West Africa
Nigeria
The function of figures like this one would have varied from community to community. The powdery ochre rubbed onto its surface has spiritual connotations, and this pigment has been applied in imitation of a real-life practice of coloring the human body. The red abrus seeds pressed into resin on the figure’s chest and head were used in local medicines and suggest healing and danger.
Wood, pigment, resin, and abrus seeds