Nupe Seated Figure on Custom Base Nigeria

An exquisite Nupe Female Seated Figure Carving. This piece stands 24 inches in height on a custom display base and is carved from a single block of dense wood. This would make a wonderful addition to any living or office space.

The Nupe ethnic group, with a population of approximately 500,000, has a long history in the region near the confluence of the Niger and Kaduna Rivers in what is now Nigeria. Despite being commonly associated with the Hausa people due to their close proximity, the Nupe have their own distinct language and are not related to any other ethnic group in the area. The Nupe have a strong artistic tradition, although the influence of Islam, which has dominated their social and religious customs for over 250 years, has limited their artistic output. This is due to a prohibition on the use of art objects depicting human figures in Islamic law, which the Nupe have creatively navigated through their mastery of geometric designs and intricate incising techniques. This ability to adapt and create visually stunning objects despite religious constraints is a testament to the skill and ingenuity of Nupe artists.

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