A carved and painted Yoruba figural group depicting three standing figures on an integral base: two female figures and one male figure. The two women are shown prominently at the front, with high-crested coiffures, painted garments, and expressive facial features. The male figure stands behind them, wearing a brimmed hat, with a yellow-painted face, mustache, and beard, and holding a staff or cane.
The arrangement of the figures suggests a social or ceremonial event, with the women shown as visually and symbolically important. They may represent feminine power, fertility, social roles, and community. The man, with his hat, beard, and staff, could stand for masculine authority, elder status, civic identity, or leadership. Placing him behind the women creates a scene that balances female creative power with male public authority.
Measurements is approximately 16 x 9 x 8 inches
In Good condition. Heavy surface wear throughout, including extensive paint loss, flaking and peeling pigment, discoloration, abrasions, accretive residue, dust, and exposed wood. Numerous losses to projecting elements and extremities. The left hands of both female figures are missing. The female figure at right has a separated wrist, with her arm extending toward or holding the female figure at left. The male figure’s left hand is missing. Scattered cracks throughout the figures and base, including moderate surface cracks to the painted areas. Large crack to the base measuring approximately 5 in. long and approximately 1/2 in. wide. More