Shamanic Ritual Wooden Statue | Tribal Ceremonial Artifact | Circa 19th–20th Century
Description
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Historical Context & Origin
Region: Central or West Africa
Material: Wood, fiber, and organic pigments
Period: 19th–20th Century
Description
This striking wooden figure represents an ancestral or shamanic spirit from a traditional African community. Carved from a single piece of hardwood, it features elongated facial characteristics, pronounced eyes, and detailed headgear or ritual adornments. The lower torso is wrapped in natural fibers, indicative of ceremonial use, and the surface retains traces of pigment and natural aging that highlight its authenticity and ritual function. Designed for spiritual and ceremonial purposes, the figure embodies the connection between the living and ancestral spirits, reflecting both cultural and artistic traditions.
Features
- Hand-carved wooden figure with elongated, stylized facial features
- Preserved ritual wrapping made of natural fibers
- Traces of original pigments and surface wear from ceremonial use
- Represents ancestral or shamanic spiritual iconography
Cultural Significance
Figures like this were central to spiritual and ancestral practices, often employed in rituals to honor, communicate with, or seek protection from spirits. They served as focal points in ceremonies and were believed to mediate between the physical and spiritual realms. This example exemplifies traditional African shamanic artistry.
Condition
Excellent structural preservation. Some natural surface wear, fiber fraying, and pigment loss consistent with age and ceremonial handling. Stable and complete.
Dimensions (approximate)
Height: 22 in
Width: 6 in
Depth: 8 in
Age
19th–20th Century
Learn More
Explore tribal ceremonial artifacts and their significance at The Power of Ritual Objects.
Uncover more tribal ceremonial artifacts in our collection.
Description
Historical Context & Origin
Region: Central or West Africa
Material: Wood, fiber, and organic pigments
Period: 19th–20th Century
Description
This striking wooden figure represents an ancestral or shamanic spirit from a traditional African community. Carved from a single piece of hardwood, it features elongated facial characteristics, pronounced eyes, and detailed headgear or ritual adornments. The lower torso is wrapped in natural fibers, indicative of ceremonial use, and the surface retains traces of pigment and natural aging that highlight its authenticity and ritual function. Designed for spiritual and ceremonial purposes, the figure embodies the connection between the living and ancestral spirits, reflecting both cultural and artistic traditions.
Features
- Hand-carved wooden figure with elongated, stylized facial features
- Preserved ritual wrapping made of natural fibers
- Traces of original pigments and surface wear from ceremonial use
- Represents ancestral or shamanic spiritual iconography
Cultural Significance
Figures like this were central to spiritual and ancestral practices, often employed in rituals to honor, communicate with, or seek protection from spirits. They served as focal points in ceremonies and were believed to mediate between the physical and spiritual realms. This example exemplifies traditional African shamanic artistry.
Condition
Excellent structural preservation. Some natural surface wear, fiber fraying, and pigment loss consistent with age and ceremonial handling. Stable and complete.
Dimensions (approximate)
Height: 22 in
Width: 6 in
Depth: 8 in
Age
19th–20th Century
Learn More
Explore tribal ceremonial artifacts and their significance at The Power of Ritual Objects.
Uncover more tribal ceremonial artifacts in our collection.
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