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Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
Female Figure
Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
© Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami. All rights reserved.

Female Figure

Artist/Maker (Nigeria)
Datenot dated
Mediumwood, paint and iron nails
DimensionsOverall: 24 x 7 1/8 x 5 1/2 in. (61 x 18.1 x 14 cm)
ClassificationsVisual Works
Credit LineGift of Alan Potamkin
Terms
    Object number2007.48.104
    DescriptionAlthough this figure has been identified in some previous publications as Igbo, there seems to be little doubt that it is Ibibio. The Igbo and Ibibio share some stylistic characteristics and hairstyles but that is generally because the Igbo are very inclined to borrow from their neighbors. The body painting, if that is what it is, could have been inspired by Igbo uli body painting worn by young women on festive occasions. The Ekong (or Ekon) society of the Ibibio uses puppets in dramatizations that offer social commentary on current conditions, sometimes involving neighbors of the Ibibio such as the Igbo. This piece has movable arms and seems to be a puppet. It does, however, differ a bit from the usual Ekong female figures that depict young women who are undergoing the process of initiation to womanhood. Those figures wear heavy hip beads but to have the plump body and legs shown here.
    On View
    Not on view
    Collections
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Lunar Face Mask
    Eket people
    ca. 1960
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Face Mask (Elu)
    Ogoni people
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    Jug
    Chokwe people
    not dated
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Shrine Figure (Ikenga)
    Nigeria, Igbo people
    not dated
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Male Figure
    Nigeria, Igbo people
    early 20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Male Figure
    Nigeria, Igbo people
    mid 20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Shrine Figure (Ikenga)
    Nigeria, Igbo people
    not dated
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Shrine Figure (Ikenga)
    Nigeria, Igbo people
    mid 20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Headdress
    Nigeria, Igbo people
    20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Face Mask (Idiok Ekpo)
    Ibibio people
    not dated
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Face Mask (Idiok Ekpo)
    Ibibio people
    not dated
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Cap Crest Mask (Idiok Ekpo)
    Ibibio people
    not dated
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