A wooden sculpture - Losso - Togo (No reserve price)

Losso Sculpture - Doufelgou Region, Togo, incl stand. This wooden figure is characterized by a powerful reduction of the human body to a few elemental volumes. A small, almost spherical head with suggested facial features rests directly on a massive, elongated oval torso. The arms are held close to the body and emphasized by shallow incisions and geometric patterns. Two sturdy, slightly splayed legs give the figure a firm, archaic stance. The cracked, grayish-brown surface, with traces of weathering and abrasion, emphasizes the wood's sculptural solidity. Despite its compact proportions, the figure conveys a compelling presence. The Losso, also called Nawdba, live in northern Togo, including in the Doufelgou Prefecture. Their figurative carving is closely related to that of the neighboring Lamba; a clear distinction based solely on stylistic features is often not possible. Similar figures could have provided a physical dwelling place for spiritual beings or ancestors. Others were associated with the commemoration of deceased twins or protective practices. The precise meaning of the present sculpture remains unclear without a documented context of use. Literature (selection): Pierre Amrouche: Corps & Décors. Statuaire Lamba et Losso du Togo. Paris 2008. Thomas Keller: Northern Togo Statuary. Lully 2018. Hans Peter Hahn: Die Werkstoff Kultur der Konkomba, Kabyè und Lamba in Nord-Togo. Köln 1996. Some of the information and photos are generated by artificial intelligence and is based on published sources from the fields of ethnography, archaeology, and art history documents. All information and photos are protected by copyright. Inv. No. MAZ30279 Informant: Ouro

Estimate:$168.06

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