A very old and important female statue with deeply engraved scarification marks on the face, torso, back and around the umbilicus, particularly characteristic of the Tem and Kabye people of central Togo. She proudly wears a receptacle on her head. The composition is very rhythmic, with wide, powerful thighs that reinforce her sculptural presence. For another Tem-Kabye statue, also from the former Leloup collection, see Christie's Paris sale June 23, 2016, lot 252. For the same characteristic scarifications, see: P.et M.L. Amrouche, Corps et Décors, Paris 2008. Tem-Kabye, Togo Hardwood, visible missing legs, old erosions, restorations, broken-glued arms (original parts), slight blocking, very fine old patina from use and sacrifice. Height: 83cm Provenance: Hélène Leloup Collection, Paris Hélène Leloup Collection, Paris Passed on by descent