Bidspirit auction | A Pair of Hand Carved

A Pair of Hand Carved African Wood Water Spirit Figures - A pair of hand carved wooden figures representing West African water spirits, attributed to the Ijo people of the Niger Delta region in Nigeria. Each figure is carved from a single block of wood and finished with a dark surface pigment. The figures feature deep geometric incisions that reveal the lighter natural wood beneath. One figure is depicted with a tall conical headpiece decorated with crescent motifs, while the other features a flattened oval head with concentric semi circular patterns and raised circular eyes. Both figures are adorned with natural raffia fiber fringe collars and hand knitted fiber garments covering the lower limbs. The figures are mounted on integral rectangular wooden bases. A printed paper label is adhered to the reverse of one figure which reads: WATER SPIRIT. Worshipped as the mighty spirit of water and rain. Height: 15 inches Base Width: 3 inches Good condition. The wood shows natural drying and minor surface checking particularly at the bases. The raffia and woven fiber elements are largely intact with minor shedding and age related stiffening. The dark pigment remains well defined with minor surface wear consistent with age.