Koro Anthropomorphic Ritual Cup, Nigeria

Carved wood anthropomorphic ritual vessel attributed to the Koro people of Nigeria, the standing figure centered by a deeply hollowed receptacle projecting from the torso. The figure is modeled with an elongated neck, squared shoulders, pendant arms, bent legs and broad feet, with a compact crested head and deeply carved geometric grid decoration across the upper chest.

The attached old handwritten collection tag identifies the object as Nigerian and appears to describe its use in connection with palm wine, millet beer and ritual offerings. The form corresponds to ceremonial anthropomorphic vessels associated with Koro traditions, sometimes identified as gbene cups. The surface retains a dense, dark, matte patina with accumulated encrustation and wear consistent with extended handling and use.