A feminine statuette with a strong presence and singular sculptural treatment, with open hands and short arms held close to the body on either side of her angular breasts. The eyes are indicated by shell fragments, and the classically treated hairstyle, which leaves no doubt as to its attribution, is composed of six distinct parts made of resin and human hair. Tiv, Nigeria Hardwood, hair, resin, shell, feet missing, small cracks, beautiful old patina. Height: 44.5cm Provenance: Private collection, United Kingdom Hélène Leloup Collection, Paris Transmitted by descent Exhibitions and Publications: Auld et Phillips, African Sculpture from private collections in London, South London Art Gallery, London, October 19 - November 8 1979, p.35, n°140 Leloup, Femininity. Sa diversité dans l'Afrique traditionnelle, Galerie Leloup, Paris, June 2003, back cover and p.107, n°51