{"title":"Sculpture \u0026 Figures","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"village-woman-carried-bowl","title":"Village Woman with Bowl","description":"\u003cp\u003eEwe — Togo\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA standing figure defined by vertical alignment and controlled asymmetry, Ewe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDescription\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe figure is organised along a central vertical axis, stabilised through the legs and carried upward into a raised arm that supports the vessel. The opposing arm bends inward, the hand resting against the chest, introducing a measured asymmetry that activates the otherwise stable structure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe head bears a lidded bowl set directly on the crown, integrated into the composition rather than applied to it. The vessel is broad and slightly flared, its surface carved in relief with paired birds facing one another. Their bodies and feathering are rendered through dense, radiating incision, establishing a continuous patterned field across the upper register.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe torso is compact and rounded, with softly modulated transitions between planes. Modelling is more plastic than reductive, with volumes held in continuity rather than broken into discrete elements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe legs are short and firmly planted, terminating in a circular base incised with repeated patterning that anchors the figure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdornment remains present: a multi-strand beaded necklace at the neck and a textile wrap at the waist. These elements sit within the structure of the figure, integrated without disrupting its form.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSurface shows a warm, worn patina, with areas of polish and abrasion at exposed points, consistent with sustained handling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eContext\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWithin Ewe carving traditions, figures of this type articulate balance through structure rather than narrative.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe act of carrying is resolved through alignment, weight distribution, and counterpoint between the arms. The vessel and figure operate as a single unit, with vertical extension completed at the crown.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSurface wear records continued use, the object shaped over time through handling as much as through carving.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eProvenance\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom the Felice Maffei Collection\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcquired in Togo, 1983\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailable on private enquiry.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"OriginalTribalArts.com","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52039444595031,"sku":null,"price":3000000.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/8600\/5591\/files\/DSC_9599.jpg?v=1761732881"},{"product_id":"drum","title":"Baga Ceremonial Drum","description":"\u003cp\u003eSouthern Guinea\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e⸻\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA composite ceremonial drum of vertical ambition, the body raised on a figured support of structural and sculptural complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e⸻\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDescription\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA ceremonial drum of the Baga, of composite vertical construction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe drum body is cylindrical, raised on a latticed support of four curved ribs. A band of rectilinear panels encircles the waist; the skin head is secured by lashing and set with wooden tension pegs spaced around the rim.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe support rests on a circular collar bearing four outward-facing heads in profile. Below, a standing male figure carries the structure; a crossed bandolier runs across the torso, with incised detail at chest and waist. The figure stands on a plain rectangular base. A kneeling female figure with a standing child is integrated into the base composition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePatina is dense and stable, deepest across the drum body and contact surfaces, with lighter wear to the carved figures consistent with differential handling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e⸻\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eContext\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAmong the Baga, drums of this type structure collective performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e⸻\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eProvenance\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom the Felice Maffei Collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcquired in Ivory Coast, 1971.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e⸻\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailable on private enquiry.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"OriginalTribalArts.com","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52039456194903,"sku":null,"price":5000000.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/8600\/5591\/files\/DSC_9588_ba16883d-c1bf-46ec-a445-9522c7bb4363.jpg?v=1764741526"},{"product_id":"bird-sejen-statue","title":"Bird (Sejen) Statue","description":"\u003cp\u003eA vertically extended hornbill form, defined by continuous line and forward curvature rather than mass.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDescription\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA vertical figure articulated through extension rather than mass. The body rises in a narrow column, carried upward into an elongated neck that curves forward before resolving in the head. A continuous line runs from the base through the spine into the beak, unbroken and deliberate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe wings are held as planar elements, set against the body and cut with parallel incisions. They establish a lateral counterpoint to the upward movement, stabilising the figure without interrupting its ascent. The legs remain slender and direct, supporting the structure with minimal transition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe surface is dry and granular, with areas of abrasion exposing tonal variation across the wood. Carved bands and incised markings remain visible, reinforcing the organisation of the form without excess detail.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eContext\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHornbill figures of this type occupy a central position within Senufo sculptural practice. The form is constructed through elongation and curvature, with emphasis placed on continuity and directional movement. The relationship between linear extension and planar interruption defines the object’s structure, while the restraint of mass maintains clarity across the whole.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eProvenance\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom the Felice Maffei Collection\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcquired in Ivory Coast, 1971\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailable on private enquiry.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"OriginalTribalArts.com","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52039457145175,"sku":null,"price":100000.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/8600\/5591\/files\/DSC_9839.jpg?v=1761735178"},{"product_id":"maternity-statue","title":"Maternity Figure","description":"\u003cp\u003eDemocratic Republic of Congo\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e⸻\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA standing maternity figure of monumental scale, the surface worked in dense geometric patterning from crown to base without interruption.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e⸻\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDescription\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA standing maternity figure of the Luluwa, of monumental scale.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe head is large and forward-set, with a prominent brow, deeply carved eyes with red pigment at the inner corners, and a short horizontal mouth. A topknot rises from the crown; the face and skull carry dense incised patterning in black and red-ochre — chevrons, lozenges, crosshatching, and concentric circles — extending without break from hairline to jaw.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe neck is ringed; the shoulders broad and squared. Surface patterning continues across the chest, torso, arms, and legs in the same geometric vocabulary, applied with consistent density across all visible faces. The breasts are prominent. A child figure is held horizontally across the lower torso, cradled in both arms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe legs are columnar; the feet broad and block-form, set on a plain rectangular base.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePigment — black and red-ochre — is retained throughout, heaviest within recessed carving and reduced at exposed surfaces through handling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e⸻\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eContext\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAmong the Luluwa, figures of this type are associated with ideals of physical and social wellbeing transmitted through lineage. The surface patterning corresponds to forms of body modification marking status and identity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e⸻\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eProvenance\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom the Felice Maffei Collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcquired in Congo, 1985.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e⸻\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailable on private enquiry.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"OriginalTribalArts.com","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52045348864343,"sku":null,"price":21000000.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/8600\/5591\/files\/DSC_9563-Modifica.jpg?v=1761791844"},{"product_id":"dogon-statue","title":"Dogon Figure with Protective Amulets","description":"\u003cp\u003eDogon — Mali\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA seated figure of inward compression and accumulated surface, Dogon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDescription\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe figure is structured within a closed, self-contained volume. Legs are drawn upward and held tightly against the torso, while the arms cross forward to clasp the knees, fixing the composition at its centre. No element extends beyond the perimeter; the form is held under constant tension.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe head projects forward on a cylindrical neck, introducing a controlled counterpoint to the otherwise inward posture. Facial features are sharply defined: wide, alert eyes beneath incised brows; a slightly open mouth revealing teeth; and a finely striated triangular beard extending from the jaw. Ears project laterally as disc forms with cylindrical extensions below, establishing a clear lateral articulation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe carved structure is enveloped in a fitted leather covering, stitched and drawn tightly across the torso and shoulders. Attached to this surface are multiple amulet packets — rectangular elements distributed across the body and head covering — forming a dense, irregular field that interrupts the continuity of the wood. The leather functions as a second skin, integrated rather than applied.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA bound fibre bundle descends centrally between the crossed arms, held within the enclosed space of the composition. Below, the feet are set flat and forward, with clearly articulated toes anchoring the figure to the ground plane.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSurface is layered: beneath, a dark, compact patina; above, the accumulated materials of use. Wear is consistent with age and handling across both wood and applied elements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eContext\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDogon figures of this type operate within protective and mediating frameworks, where carved form is extended through the addition of materials carrying specific charge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe work is not static. The wooden structure establishes the form, but the attached leather and amulets record ongoing activation. The figure remains formally contained while its surface accumulates function.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExamples preserving both structural clarity and intact applied elements remain uncommon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eProvenance\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom the Felice Maffei Collection\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcquired in Mali, 1985\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailable on private enquiry.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"OriginalTribalArts.com","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52045349224791,"sku":null,"price":450000.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/8600\/5591\/files\/DSC_6160.jpg?v=1761791771"},{"product_id":"twins-senufo-statue","title":"Twins Senufo Statue","description":"\u003cp\u003eA paired Senufo composition of commanding vertical structure, each figure constructed through disciplined segmented volumes held within a single formal system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDescription\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach figure is constructed through a disciplined sequence of segmented volumes, articulated along a clear vertical axis: elongated head, planar torso, constricted waist, and stool-supported base.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe heads project forward with measured emphasis, framed by laterally extended ear forms that establish a horizontal counterpoint to the vertical structure. The torsos remain flat and contained, marked by controlled incision, while the abdomen expands into a rounded, central mass before tightening again toward the seat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eArms descend in parallel, uninterrupted lines, reinforcing the linear continuity of the composition. The stools extend the figures downward, completing the vertical system without interruption.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe pair maintains close proportional correspondence, with minor variations in surface and carving density. Patina is stable and coherent across both figures, with wear concentrated along projecting elements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eContext\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSenufo sculpture is defined by structural clarity and the articulation of form through discrete, ordered volumes. Figures are not modelled but constructed — each element held in relation to the whole.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaired examples of this scale, retaining both formal consistency and a unified surface, are increasingly scarce. The strength of the present work lies in its control: repetition without rigidity, variation without loss of system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eProvenance\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom the Felice Maffei Collection\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcquired in Ivory Coast, 1972\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailable on private enquiry.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"OriginalTribalArts.com","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52045349585239,"sku":null,"price":250000.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/8600\/5591\/files\/DSC_9622_67094767-d92b-4074-a91d-0f5a9b69829c.jpg?v=1761796903"},{"product_id":"statue-luluwa-couple","title":"Paired Luluwa Couple Figures","description":"\u003cp\u003eLuluwa — Democratic Republic of Congo\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA paired composition of compact, structurally resolved standing figures, Luluwa.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDescription\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach figure is constructed within a contained vertical system, volumes held close and articulated through controlled proportion rather than extension. The bodies are compact and frontal, with clearly defined limbs and a stable central axis.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSurface is fully integrated with dense scarification, covering torso, limbs, and head. Motifs vary between the two figures — chevrons, cross-hatching, and diamond registers — yet remain structurally consistent, following and reinforcing the underlying volumes rather than interrupting them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe female figure incorporates a secondary element: a child held at the torso, carved as a continuous extension of the primary form. The male figure introduces a contrasting gesture, holding a flat, rectangular implement forward, projecting slightly beyond the body plane and establishing a measured outward axis.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeads are enlarged and set upon prominently ringed necks, forming a pronounced transition between torso and head. Facial features are defined through incision and low relief, with controlled expression and clarity of line. Coiffures distinguish the pair: one rising into a stepped vertical crest, the other more compact with a curved lateral projection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe rear surfaces are equally resolved, with extensive scarification organised around a central axis, including X-forms and structured geometric fields.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFeet are broad and grounded, with individually defined toes anchoring each figure directly to the base. Despite variation in attribute and surface detail, the pair maintains cohesion through proportion, alignment, and shared structural logic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eContext\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLuluwa sculpture is defined by the integration of surface and structure. Scarification is not applied ornament but a system that organises and stabilises form.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn paired figures, differentiation is achieved through attribute and surface variation, while proportion and stance remain controlled within a unified framework. The result is a composition in which dual presence is established without disruption of structural coherence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExamples preserving full surface articulation across both figures, including rear detailing, remain uncommon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eProvenance\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom the Felice Maffei Collection\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcquired in the Democratic Republic of Congo, 1981\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailable on private enquiry.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"OriginalTribalArts.com","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52045349683543,"sku":null,"price":320000.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/8600\/5591\/files\/DSC_9632-Modifica.jpg?v=1761794178"},{"product_id":"antelope-headgear","title":"Antelope Headgear","description":"\u003cp\u003eBambara — Mali\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA Chi Wara-type headdress structured through forward extension and axial support.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDescription\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe elongated head projects forward into a pair of sharply rising, ridged horns, establishing a dominant horizontal thrust. The muzzle is held level, with incised eyes set within a simplified and controlled facial plane.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom the base of the head, a vertical support descends into a compact quadruped body. This junction is encircled by a fibre collar, forming a distinct register that both stabilises and articulates the transition between upper projection and lower mass.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition is governed by opposition: the horns extend outward in tension against the grounded vertical axis of the support. The lower body remains contained and weight-bearing, allowing the upper structure to project without loss of balance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSurface treatment is disciplined. Repeated linear incision defines the horns and upper head, following their directional movement, while the body is resolved in broader, continuous volumes. The distinction operates structurally, separating zones of articulation from those of mass.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe surface retains a stable patina, with light wear consistent with handling and use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eContext\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBambara Chi Wara headdresses translate the antelope form into a system of extension, rhythm, and visibility in performance. The emphasis lies not in naturalistic description but in proportion and directional force.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this example, the relationship between extension and support is precisely maintained. The horns define the visual reach of the object, while the lower structure anchors it, creating a balanced and legible whole.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eProvenance\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom the Felice Maffei Collection, Italy\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcquired in Mali, 1972\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailable on private enquiry.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"OriginalTribalArts.com","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52045350240599,"sku":null,"price":50000.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/8600\/5591\/files\/DSC_6187.jpg?v=1761796066"},{"product_id":"twins-fertility-dolls","title":"Twins Fertility Dolls","description":"\u003cp\u003eGhana\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA paired set of Ashanti Akua’ba figures, defined by canonical form and controlled variation within a unified structure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDescription\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach figure is constructed according to the established Akua’ba type: a large disc-form head set above an elongated, ringed neck, descending into a compact torso that expands into a broad lower register. Short lateral arms introduce a horizontal counterpoint, stabilising the vertical axis.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe two figures operate as a single formal system. Their proportions, structure, and frontal orientation are held in strict alignment, establishing coherence across the pair.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWithin this fixed framework, variation is introduced with precision. Differences in head patterning, surface incision, and proportional nuance distinguish each figure without disrupting the underlying order. Adornment is preserved and not identical — beadwork and cord elements remain intact, reinforcing individual identity within the pair.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSurface is unified by a deep, mature patina, with wear concentrated at raised areas. The contrast between polished planes and retained incision preserves the clarity of the carving across both figures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eContext\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWithin Ashanti practice, Akua’ba figures are associated with fertility and ideals of beauty, carried and cared for within cycles of use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn paired examples, the emphasis shifts from singular form to duplication. Repetition establishes presence, while controlled variation sustains individuality within a codified system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExamples in which both figures retain full structural clarity, surface integrity, and intact adornment are seldom encountered together.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eProvenance\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom the Felice Maffei Collection\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcquired in Ghana, 1965\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailable on private enquiry.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"OriginalTribalArts.com","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52045350306135,"sku":null,"price":50000.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/8600\/5591\/files\/DSC_9649-Modifica.jpg?v=1761796212"},{"product_id":"hemba-statue","title":"Hemba Statue","description":"\u003cp\u003eDemocratic Republic of Congo\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA standing male figure of compact, frontal authority, Hemba.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDescription\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe figure is composed in a contained, inwardly held structure, volumes gathered tightly around a central vertical axis. The body remains compact, with no extension beyond its own mass.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe head is proportionally large and set upon a ringed cylindrical neck. The face is oval and controlled: half-closed eyes beneath defined lids, a straight descending nose, and a slightly parted mouth. A continuous band of geometric scarification frames the jawline, enclosing the face within a clearly defined perimeter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the rear, the coiffure is resolved as a flattened disc, incised with ordered geometric registers. This element extends the head backward while maintaining the overall balance of the composition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe torso is full and rounded, with a pronounced forward-projecting abdomen. Arms are drawn close to the body, the hands placed symmetrically at the lower abdomen, fixing the compositional centre. Fingers are individually indicated yet remain integrated within the larger form.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe legs are short and solid, positioned directly beneath the mass of the body. Broad feet with defined toes rest on a circular base, anchoring the figure and reinforcing its stability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA textile wrap remains at the waist, introducing a secondary material element that contrasts with the carved surface while remaining subordinate to the structure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSurface is dark and compact, with a developed patina. Wear is visible at projecting points, consistent with age and handling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eContext\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHemba figures are associated with ancestral representation, where emphasis is placed on composure, balance, and continuity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eForm is directed inward. Volume is contained rather than extended. The figure operates through stillness and structural clarity, prioritising presence over movement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExamples retaining both defined carving and stable surface at this level remain uncommon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eProvenance\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom the Felice Maffei Collection\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcquired in the Democratic Republic of Congo, 1985\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailable on private enquiry.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"OriginalTribalArts.com","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52045350961495,"sku":null,"price":100000.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/8600\/5591\/files\/DSC_6137.jpg?v=1761791891"},{"product_id":"akuaba-fertility-doll","title":"Akua'ba Fertility Doll","description":"\u003cp\u003eGhana\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA group of three Ashanti Akua’ba figures, presenting the canonical form across a controlled range of proportion, surface, and execution.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDescription\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach figure adheres to the established Akua’ba structure: a disc-form head set above an elongated, ringed neck, with a simplified body organised along a strict frontal axis. Short lateral arms provide a horizontal counterpoint, stabilising the vertical alignment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe group is defined by variation within this fixed framework. One figure is elongated and columnar, its form reduced to essential volumes. A second is more compact, with compressed proportions and restrained articulation. The third introduces a fully realised standing body, extending the type into a more developed figural presence with defined legs and feet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDifferences in surface treatment reinforce this range. The lighter-toned figure presents more modelled facial features, while the darker examples retain a more reductive, planar approach. Patina varies from open and light to deep and mature, yet all surfaces remain stable and coherent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTaken together, the three figures establish a clear reading of the type — not as a fixed object, but as a controlled field within which proportion, surface, and carving decisions are negotiated.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eContext\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWithin Ashanti practice, Akua’ba figures follow a codified structure associated with fertility and ideals of beauty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this group, the emphasis shifts from singular presence to comparative clarity. The figures demonstrate how the canonical form is maintained while allowing measured variation in execution.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGroups presenting this range within a consistent structural logic are uncommon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eProvenance\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom the Felice Maffei Collection\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcquired in Ghana, 1965\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailable on private enquiry.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"OriginalTribalArts.com","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52045370196311,"sku":null,"price":20000.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/8600\/5591\/files\/DSC_9901-Modifica.jpg?v=1761797111"},{"product_id":"male-female-couple-figured","title":"Monumental Senufo Paired Figures","description":"\u003cp\u003eSenufo — Ivory Coast\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA monumental pair of Senufo figures defined by extreme vertical extension and controlled deviation within a shared structural system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDescription\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach figure is constructed along an uncompromising vertical axis, carried almost entirely by elongated legs that determine the full height of the composition. The bodies rise with minimal mass, reducing volume to line and proportion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis vertical insistence is interrupted by a sustained forward curvature through the torso. The abdomen and chest arc outward in a continuous deviation, creating tension against the strict linearity of the legs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eArms descend in long, parallel lines along the sides of the body, acting as stabilising elements. They do not project or articulate independently, but contain the movement of the torso, reinforcing the vertical structure while framing the central curvature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe heads project forward as distinct, resolved masses. Each incorporates a calao element rising from the crown — one extended vertically in a tall, blade-like form, the other curving outward. These projections break the axial stability and introduce a controlled asymmetry within the pair.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDespite this variation, the figures remain structurally bound. Alignment, proportion, and directional movement are held in exact correspondence, producing coherence without repetition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFeet are flat and clearly defined, anchoring the figures and stabilising their extreme elevation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSurface is dark and compact, with deep, developed patina. Wear is consistent with age and handling, with light abrasion along projecting elements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eContext\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWithin Senufo carving, emphasis is placed on elongation, alignment, and the disciplined relationship between line and volume.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn paired works, the objective is not duplication but equilibrium. Each figure maintains independence, while the pair establishes a unified field of tension through alignment and variation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExamples sustaining this degree of vertical extension, structural clarity, and surface integrity across both figures are uncommon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eProvenance\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom the Felice Maffei Collection\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcquired in Ivory Coast, 1971\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailable on private enquiry.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"OriginalTribalArts.com","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52045382123863,"sku":null,"price":450000.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/8600\/5591\/files\/DSC_9800-Modifica.jpg?v=1761794065"},{"product_id":"ancestor-figure","title":"Monumental Makonde Figure","description":"\u003cp\u003eMakonde — Tanzania\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA monumental Makonde figure defined by extreme vertical reduction and inwardly held presence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDescription\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe figure is constructed along a continuous vertical axis, the body extended into extreme elongation with legs accounting for the majority of the height. Volume is reduced to its minimum, the torso rising as a narrow, uninterrupted line into the head.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eArms descend close to the body in long, parallel lines, reinforcing the vertical structure. One arm bends sharply at the elbow, the hand drawn upward to the chin. This gesture interrupts the linear ascent, introducing a contained internal axis that concentrates the figure’s presence inward rather than outward.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe head is finely worked and projects slightly forward, yet remains contained within the overall structure. Facial features are sharply defined but not exaggerated, emerging from a highly controlled surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA fibre tuft is attached at the lower arm, secured with a wrapped binding. This element introduces a material contrast, breaking the continuity of the polished surface while remaining subordinate to the overall form.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFeet are small and closely aligned, fixed to a circular base that stabilises the extreme vertical extension.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSurface is dark, dense, and highly polished, with a compact, lustrous patina characteristic of ebony. Minor wear is visible at projecting edges, consistent with age and handling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eContext\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMakonde carving is defined by the reduction of form to line, proportion, and surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn figures of this type, elongation is not used to exaggerate movement, but to compress it. The body is extended while expression is contained, producing a form in which presence is held internally rather than projected outward.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExamples sustaining this degree of reduction, surface control, and structural clarity at this scale are uncommon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eProvenance\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom the Felice Maffei Collection\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcquired in Tanzania, 1985\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailable on private enquiry.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"OriginalTribalArts.com","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52045382287703,"sku":null,"price":180000.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/8600\/5591\/files\/DSC_9902.jpg?v=1761796096"},{"product_id":"golf-player","title":"Golf Player (Monumental Figure)","description":"\u003cp\u003eIndonesia\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA monumental figure resolved through rotation, counterbalance, and controlled anatomical articulation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDescription\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe figure is captured at the completion of a golf swing, its structure organised around a pronounced rotational axis. Weight is anchored in the forward leg, while the rear leg lifts slightly, fixing the moment immediately after impact. The torso twists through the waist into the shoulders, carrying movement upward into the arms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe club extends horizontally behind the head, forming a counter-axis to the rotation of the body. This opposing line stabilises the composition, holding the tension of the twist in a contained and legible form.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCarved in teak, the body is articulated through continuous transitions rather than segmented modelling. The arms and upper torso are worked with dense, directional incision, creating a striated surface that follows the pull of the musculature. In contrast, the torso and legs are treated more smoothly, allowing volume and mass to read without interruption. This distinction operates structurally, separating zones of tension from those of stability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe head, rendered with simian features beneath a flat-brimmed cap, is held forward and level. The gaze remains fixed independently of the motion of the club. Inlaid dark glass eyes introduce a discreet material contrast within the otherwise unified wooden surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe surface is warm and even, with tonal variation across the teak and light wear along projecting elements consistent with handling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eContext\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProduced within a workshop tradition of commissioned carving, figures of this type emphasise technical precision and the translation of movement into stable form.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe subject is contemporary, yet the handling remains rooted in established carving practices. The work is defined by its internal logic: rotation held in tension against a counter-axis, with structural clarity determining the composition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eProvenance\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRoberto Lorenzelli Collection, Italy\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCollected in Indonesia, 1980\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailable on private enquiry.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"OriginalTribalArts.com","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52045382844759,"sku":null,"price":7000000.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/8600\/5591\/files\/DSC_9966-Modifica.jpg?v=1761792091"},{"product_id":"the-lion-king","title":"The Lion King","description":"\u003cp\u003eIndonesia\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA monumental recumbent lion, resolved through mass, incision, and controlled tension within a grounded form.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDescription\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCarved in teak, the lion is held low to the ground with forelegs extended and the head raised. The jaws open in a sustained, fixed expression, with individually articulated teeth; the head turns slightly off axis, introducing a measured tension within the otherwise stable structure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe body is continuous and forward-weighted, the mass carried through the forequarters and drawn along the spine into the hind legs. The tail curves back into the composition, returning the movement inward and closing the form.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSurface is worked through dense, directional incision, describing mane, limbs, and flank in a continuous system of cuts that follow the underlying musculature. These incised zones contrast with more broadly modelled areas of the torso, where volume is allowed to read without interruption. The distinction is structural, separating areas of articulation from those of mass.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe eyes are inlaid with amber-toned elements, set within deeply carved sockets, forming concentrated points of contrast against the matte surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe teak retains a warm, even patina, with subtle tonal variation and light wear along projecting elements consistent with handling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eContext\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWithin 20th-century Indonesian workshop carving, large-scale animal figures are defined by control rather than subject.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere, the composition remains disciplined: the open jaw is contained within the overall mass, and the incised surface is consistently aligned with the structure of the body. The balance between carved articulation and retained volume determines the clarity of the work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eProvenance\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRoberto Lorenzelli Collection, Italy\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCollected in Indonesia, 1980\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailable on private enquiry.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"OriginalTribalArts.com","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52045419250007,"sku":null,"price":3000000.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/8600\/5591\/files\/DSC_9942-Modifica.jpg?v=1761802743"},{"product_id":"buddha-statue","title":"Devotional Buddha Seated on Five Elephants","description":"\u003cp\u003eBuddhist — Thailand\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA devotional image of centred stillness and layered support, Thai.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDescription\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCarved in teak, the Buddha is seated in the Maravichai (earth-touching) posture, held within a stable and centred vertical axis. The right hand descends toward the knee with fingers extended, while the left rests in the lap. The asymmetry of gesture is contained within a fully balanced composition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe face is smooth and generalised, with inlaid eyes set beneath gently defined brows. The ushnisha rises into a tapering flame, completing the upward movement of the form with a controlled vertical emphasis.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBelow, five elephants form a continuous circular base. Their bodies are compact and rhythmically repeated, heads aligned forward, creating a dense structural ring rather than an open support. The repetition establishes both visual continuity and physical grounding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBetween base and figure, a carved platform introduces a transitional register, articulated with floral and geometric motifs. This element mediates the ascent from the compressed lower structure to the seated figure above, maintaining clarity between the two while preserving overall unity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe surface retains extensive gilding over a red lacquer ground. Wear is concentrated along projecting elements, where abrasion reveals underlying layers. The resulting stratification records prolonged devotional handling, integrating use into the material presence of the object.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eContext\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWithin Thai Buddhist sculpture of the Sukhothai–Ayutthaya periods, emphasis is placed on composure, clarity of gesture, and controlled stylisation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Maravichai posture represents the moment of calling the earth to witness, expressed through a minimal yet decisive gesture. The figure’s stillness contrasts with the rhythmic repetition of the elephants below, establishing a relationship between centred presence and structured support.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe worn gilded surface reflects sustained ritual engagement, where material transformation becomes part of the object’s history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eProvenance\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom the Felice Maffei Collection\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcquired in Thailand, 1983\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailable on private enquiry.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"OriginalTribalArts.com","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52045419446615,"sku":null,"price":11000000.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/8600\/5591\/files\/DSC_7662.jpg?v=1761794440"}],"url":"https:\/\/originaltribalarts.com\/collections\/sculpture-figures.oembed","provider":"OriginalTribalArts.com","version":"1.0","type":"link"}