Owo / Nigeria.
Anthropomorphic Altar Figure.
Belonged to Royal Palace Chief Elewende.
Collected in Owo / early 20th century.
Bronze / H 15" x W 6" x D 8.5 inches.
This figure combines the physical features of a man and a rooster, and is one of the most unusual of pieces.
The figure belonged to the palace chief Elewende whose royal ancestral altar it was placed on. While the exact use and meaning of this figure is not known, its most unusual attributes allude to its probable function, and the role of its owner within the life of the royal court.