A Superb Tiv Male Figure, Nigeria

the male figure standing with parted legs and massive thighs, prominent phallus, the elongated body with short openwork arms held to the side, the spherical head with heart-shaped facial plane, open mouth and almond shaped eyes; '391' in yellow pigment on bottom; fine weathered light brown patina with residue.

Alain Dufour, Paris
Lucien Van de Velde, Antwerp
Ralph Nash, London
Philippe Guimiot, Brussels
Baudouin de Grunne, Brussels
Bernard de Grunne, Brussels
Alan Steele, New York

François Neyt, The Arts of the Benue: To the Roots of Tradition, Tielt, 1985, p. 174, pl. IV.13

good condition overall for an object of this age and rarity; base eroded on reverse insect damage on inside of right leg and reverse of head (head partially hollowed out but outside intact); fine weathered light brown patina with residue.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

According to Neyt (1985: 161), the "Tiv played a predominant role in the history of the Benue State, and in that of Nigeria itself. [...] When they arrived at the end of the XVIIth and early XVIIIth century, they deeply affected the life and relationship among the peoples living on both sides of the Benue."

Tiv statuary has an underlying magic meaning. The figures are not representations of ancestors but of tutelary guardians. The largest statues, the Ihambe figures, have been categorized into two styles: the 'naturalistic style' and the 'post style.' See loc. cit. (178 et seq.) for further discussion. The present lot is a superb example of the 'post style.' The elongated legs with rounded thighs stand in contrast to the compressed voluminous arms. By means of juxtaposing compression and elongation, the artist creates a dynamic structure that is elegantly flowing in the lower region, powerfully charged in the middle, and coming to an abrupt summation in the static head.  The commanding expression of the face, centered by hauntingly empty eyes and an open mouth, absorbs, and yet is reinforced by, the contrasting dynamic of the body, resulting in a striking gravitas.