African Ritual Dance Figure – West Africa

African ritual figure crafted from hardened, polychrome textile, built around an internal structure of vegetal fibers (bamboo / lightweight wood). The piece features a seated anthropomorphic figure at the top, rising from a stratified conical body, originally conceived to be worn or manipulated during ceremonial dances.

This type of figure is associated with ritual and performative practices in West Africa, particularly within cultural areas corresponding to present-day Nigeria and Benin. Structured textile objects like this were used in ceremonial contexts linked to the symbolic representation of ancestors, figures of authority, or spiritual entities, where movement, rhythm, and transformation played a central role.

The surface retains traces of mineral and organic pigments, with a natural patina developed through ritual use and the passage of time. Structural wear and deformation are consistent with handling during dance performances. The construction favors functionality and mobility over symmetry or decorative refinement—an essential characteristic of objects intended for active ceremonial use.

The current base and stand are later additions, created solely for display purposes.

Estimated Date

20th century (circa 1950–1980)

Materials

Textile, vegetal fibers, bamboo / lightweight wood, natural pigments

Origin

West Africa (Nigeria / Benin region)

Condition

Condition consistent with age and original ritual use. The figure shows surface wear, pigment loss, and deformations typical of structured textile objects used in ceremonial contexts.

The stand is of later manufacture, made of iron and wood, and was added for exhibition purposes.

Dimensions

• Without stand: 40 × 25 × 25 cm

• Total height with stand: 63 cm

• Stand base: 16 × 18 cm

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