Although little is known about this figure, its hairstyle, ridged in front and worked into small circles in back, and small scars carved across the brow and along the edge of the jaw indicate it is of Zande origin. Such decorative markings, either on art objects or living persons, are clues to group affiliation, rank, and status.
Catalogue Description:
Carved wooden standing male figure. Light wood stained black. Face wide. Arms and torso are flat, lean, and long. Coiffure has high, rounded, parallel ridges running front to back; back of hair worked into flat concentric circles. Band of small scars across brow and along edge of jaw. Holes in earlobe. Trunk and upper arms ornamented with vertical bands made up of diagonal incisions. Some cracking on figure. Arm restored 1/68.
