Figure, possibly Limba or Loko; Sierra Leone
Wood; H. 381/2
This forcefully conceived male image
has remained an enigma for several decades. Originally,
the figure was misattributed to the Bakongo peoples
of D.R.C. Congo and then later to the Nyamwesi people
of Tanzania. Stylistic characteristics of the sculpture,
however, lend themselves more towards a West African
attribution, probably along the Guinea coast, from
Guinea Bissau to Sierra Leone. Based on stylistic
commonalities, it seems most likely that this bold
carving was created by the Limba or neighboring
Loko peoples of Sierra Leone. The chest and head
are hollowed to allow insertion of power materials,
while the naturalistic face may even display an
element of portraiture. Whatever its point of origin,
this figure displays a balanced and carefully poised
elegance. The fine surface and signs of wear date
this majestic statue to the last quarter of the
nineteenth century.
