Ewe Figure

The figure stands in a stable stance, knees slightly flexed, with asymmetry introduced by the arms: the left arm is raised vertically, the hand open and set flat against the side of the vessel, while the right arm bends inward, the hand raised to cup the breast. The head is carved with projecting ears and a crested coiffure rising to meet the base of the vessel. The torso is compact and rounded, with continuous transitions between chest, abdomen and hips. A double-ridged waistband is carved in relief around the hips, knotted at the front and ending at the back in a pleated hanging flap. The legs are aligned beneath the body, terminating in broad feet with articulated toes, set on a circular base whose upper surface is gouge-carved with repeated notched motifs. The vessel is broad and flared, carved in relief around its circumference with birds: on the front face a pair facing each other, wings spread with feather detail, their bills meeting at a crescent-shaped form; further birds continue around the vessel, wings defined through overlapping scale-like feather patterning. The lid is fitted with a knob finial and carved in shallow relief with a bird motif and linear hatching. The vessel is structurally integrated with the figure, extending the vertical axis.

Condition is excellent and stable; the surface is compact. Patina retained throughout, abraded across the back and shoulders and at projecting elements. Natural wood grain visible across the torso and legs. Carved relief retained across the vessel, lid and base.

Among the Ewe, figures of this type function within domestic and shrine contexts associated with offering and display.

From the Felice Maffei Collection, acquired in Togo, 1983.

Title

Ewe Figure

Culture

Ewe

Origin

Togo

Date

20th century

Dimensions

H 124 cm (48.8 in) · W 35 cm (13.8 in)

Medium

Wood

Provenance

From the Felice Maffei Collection, acquired in Togo, 1983.

Condition

Excellent, stable condition; carved relief retained.