Barakat Gallery
Skip to main content
  • Menu
  • Home
  • Artworks
  • Exhibitions
  • About
  • Contact
Menu
  • Menu

The Barakat Collection

Open a larger version of the following image in a popup: Lagoon Regions Wooden Sculpture of a Seated Woman, 19th Century CE - 20th Century CE

Lagoon Regions Wooden Sculpture of a Seated Woman, 19th Century CE - 20th Century CE

Wood
X.1043 (LSO)
Enquire
%3Cdiv%20class%3D%22title_and_year%22%3E%3Cspan%20class%3D%22title_and_year_title%22%3ELagoon%20Regions%20Wooden%20Sculpture%20of%20a%20Seated%20Woman%3C/span%3E%2C%20%3Cspan%20class%3D%22title_and_year_year%22%3E19th%20Century%20CE%20%20-%20%2020th%20Century%20CE%3C/span%3E%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv%20class%3D%22medium%22%3EWood%3C/div%3E
This distinguished sculpture of a seated female was made by one of the groups of Coastal Nigeria known as the Lagoons peoples. It is a traditional rendering, with sectorial limbs,...
Read more
This distinguished sculpture of a seated female was made by one of the groups of Coastal Nigeria known as the Lagoons peoples. It is a traditional rendering, with sectorial limbs, a columnar torso, sharply pointed breasts, a deep head, an ornate hairstyle and a seated posture (this varies). The face is minimal and serene, with a low profile nose, large eyes and a very small mouth. The wood is light in colour, and age is attested with patination, termite damage and wear.
The Lagoons people include about a dozen distinct groups, which are grouped into two main units (the Attye and the Ebrie), and are not usually confused with the Anyi, who are more influenced by local neighbours such as the Baule. Lagoons groups consider themselves to be distinct from one another except in cases of threat, when they combine. Their social structure is based upon a gerontocracy.
Artistically, they are defined by carvings of astonishing refinement, with exceptionally serene expressions and attenuated proportions. They usually have highly ornate hairstyles, keloid scarifications – rendered as removable plugs – and glossy patinas from usage. The figures were used by spiritual intermediaries to obtain information from the hereafter. There are also reports of highly gendered figures being used as spirit spouses, as in the Baule tradition. They are also said to have been display pieces at traditional dances, or awarded to excellent dancers and performers.
Lagoons pieces are amongst the most refined and desirable in Africa. This is a superb piece of African art.
Close full details
Share
  • Facebook
  • X
  • Pinterest
  • Tumblr
  • Email
Previous
|
Next
15405 
of  28197

London

48 Albemarle Street,

London, W1S 4JW

info@barakatgallery.eu 

 

       


 

CONTACT | TEAM | PRESS 

 

Seoul
58-4, Samcheong-ro,
Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82 02 730 1949
barakat@barakat.kr
             

 

Los Angeles

941 N La Cienega Blvd
Los Angeles CA 90069
+1 310 859 8408

contact@barakatgallery.com

  


 

 

Facebook, opens in a new tab.
Instagram, opens in a new tab.
Send an email
View on Google Maps
Manage cookies
Copyright © 2025 Barakat Gallery
Site by Artlogic


Manage cookies
Accept

Cookie preferences

Check the boxes for the cookie categories you allow our site to use

Cookie options
Required for the website to function and cannot be disabled.
Improve your experience on the website by storing choices you make about how it should function.
Allow us to collect anonymous usage data in order to improve the experience on our website.
Allow us to identify our visitors so that we can offer personalised, targeted marketing.
Save preferences
Close

Join our mailing list

Sign Up

* denotes required fields