Lot 125
Eket or Ibibio Female Figure, Nigeria
Estimate$600–$1,200
Offered in A Lifetime of Discovery III · Sunday, November 1, 2026, To be announced
A carved wood standing female figure attributed to the Eket or closely related Ibibio peoples of southeastern Nigeria. The figure is distinguished by a large smooth oval head with strongly projecting eyes, a long narrow nose, small restrained mouth and elongated neck. The compact body is modeled with rounded breasts, long pendant arms, pronounced hips and powerful legs terminating in broad feet on an integral circular base.
The simplified facial treatment and compact, strongly modeled body relate to sculptural traditions of the Eket and neighboring Ibibio peoples of the Cross River region, where standing female figures were produced in a variety of ceremonial forms.
- Size
- 20 1/2 in. high.
- Provenance
- Property from an important private collection, assembled by a dealer and collector over more than six decades.
- Condition
- Age-related wear, surface abrasions, scattered small losses and areas of dry dark patina. Wear and losses to the base, with an old inserted wooden repair or support visible underneath. Please refer to photographs.
Estimates are opinions of value, given as a guide.